Robert Leroy Burgess

Robert Leroy Burgess, 91, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024, at Greer Memorial Hospital. He was born in Laurens, SC on August 12, 1932, to Dolphus E. Roy and Ola Mac Carley Burgess. He graduated from Laurens High School in 1950 and later met the love of his life, Evelyn, on a blind date in 1952. They were married on December 16, 1956, and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard where he was a gifted trumpet player in the band. He started his career at the Savannah River Plant and in 1964 moved to the Upstate to help startup the Celanese Greer Plant. He retired as an engineer from Hoechst Celanese after 31 years of service. He was a long-time member of Taylors First Baptist Church where he served as an usher for almost 50 years. He was an avid fisherman, loved NASCAR, Chevrolets, and his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks. He also enjoyed making photos of family and leaves behind many precious photographs taken over the years that his family will cherish forever. He loved working outside whether it be in his yard that resembled a golf course or in his garden that he used to bless family and friends. He was an intelligent man and could fix anything. If there was something that needed fixing, he’d figure out a way to do it. He got great satisfaction from helping family and friends whenever possible whether it be working on their car, helping fix an appliance, or offering a helping hand to meet whatever need he could. He paid incredible attention to detail and always kept his cars and yard spotless. Despite all of this, his greatest love was for his family. He loved them with all his heart and never hesitated to make sure that they knew that. He was their biggest supporter, nothing made him prouder than his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and never missed an athletic event or performance that they were a part of. The lessons he taught them on helping others and solving problems will be remembered forever. Surviving are his wife, Evelyn Curry Burgess of the home; two daughters, Rhonda Burgess Betcher (Gregg) of Franklin, Vermont and Vicky Burgess Bryant (Dwane) of Greer; four grandchildren, Ryan Christopher Betcher, Brandi Betcher Helm (Rob), Jordan Matthew Bryant, and Katelyn Alexandria Bryant; and one great-grandson, Colton Betcher Helm. He also leaves behind many well-loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Frank Maurice Burgess and a sister, Teresa Burgess Rosenberg. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Greer Memorial Hospital for the care and love given to him in the last week of his life. They would also like to thank Dr. Lee Brown Taylor, III of Carolina Cardiology and Dr. Andrew Roudebush and the nurses of the St. Francis Wound Healing Center for their kindness, compassion, and great care they have shown him in the last few years. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, at Taylors First Baptist Church Chapel conducted by Pastor Jerry Long and Dr. Jimmie Harley. Visitation will be held 1:30-2:45 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, in the Taylors First Baptist Church Chapel. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family is at the home. Memorials may be made to Taylors First Baptist Church General Fund, 200 W. Main Street, Taylors, South Carolina 29687 or Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29607. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Robert Leroy Burgess

August 12, 1932 - February 19, 2024