George Edward Burgess, age 77, passed peacefully at home into the arms of our Lord on December 30, 2025. George was born on April 9, 1948, in Pocahontas, MS to J.D. and Louise Teasley Burgess.
George graduated from Clinton High School in 1966 and began employment with Illinois Central Railroad as a switch man. He reported for active duty with the US Navy Reserve in 1968 and achieved the rank of Boatswains Mate 3rd class. He honorably served for two years and distinguished himself by archiving a lifetime of stories, which some sailors fail to do in a 20-year career.
He returned to Illinois Central, later Canadian National in 1970 where he served in various positions until his first retirement in 2008. His last 11 years with the railroad he was Trainmaster for the Baton Rouge area. This is a demanding, round-the-clock position with responsibility for safety, staffing, and results for all that rolled on the rails in his area. He was very capable and proud of his stint as Trainmaster and highly regarded by his reports, peers, and railroad management.
After retirement from the railroad in 2008 he began a second career with flagging companies that continued until his passing.
This position involved coordinating operations between contractors and the railroad to ensure safe working conditions at or near the track area. The last 9 years of this second career was with Right-Of-Way Consulting where he served as Gulf Division Manager.
In any role for any employer, George was a loyal and conscientious employee that focused on getting a job done on time and safely. He truly believed there is a time for work and atime for play and the two do not mix. There is no doubt that Canadian National, Right-Of-Way Consulting, and George were all better because they had each other.
George’s biggest pride was his family. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his daughters and grandchildren. He may have been called a “sucker” at times. His passions included fishing, hunting, spending time at deer camp and bickering with his cousin and best bud, Spud Woods. George was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by all.
George is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and LouiseBurgess, his brothers Johnny Burgess and Billy Burgess, his sister Miriam Pace and his former wife Ouida Burgess. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Stevens Burgess, his two children, Alana (Clint) and Kristen (John), step-children, Bret Hart, Chrystal Coghlan and LeAnn Brister. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Hannah Terry (Webb), Mary Mobley,Caroline Gough, Case Lancaster, Christopher Hart, Shelby Johnson, Chynna Roberts, Mason Hart and Hadley Brister.
Visitation will be held at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Bentonia, MS on Monday, January 5th, at 9:30 a.m., with services to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers include Michael Burgess, Justin Burgess, Clint Lancaster, Christopher Hart, Spike Woods and Taylor Woods. Honorary pallbearers include Robert Stevens, Jr. and Spud Woods.
