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Gary W. Burgess, 78, of Watauga, Tenn., passed away Monday, July 31, 2023, at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born in Wilkes County, N.C., to the late George Edison Burgess and Ina Sue Burgess. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Wells; grandson, Gary Paul Brodeur; brother, Dwight Burgess; and special uncles, Donald Brown and Larry Brown.
Gary retired from East Tennessee State University and was a United States Veteran, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He enjoyed reading and spending time with his family.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Peggy Jo Burgess of the home; two daughters, Tammy Brooks (LB) of Watauga and Heather Burgess (Allen) of Elizabethton; son, Sonny Hawks of the home; brothers, George E. Burgess (Kathy) of Thomaston, Ga., and Harold E. Burgess of Lenoir, N.C.; and a special niece, Robin Adams (Jeff Curtis) of Granite Falls, N.C.
A funeral service to honor the life of Gary will be conducted at noon Sunday, August 6, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends between the hours of 11 a.m. and noon Sunday, prior to the service.
The graveside service and committal will follow in the Patton Simmons Cemetery. Pallbearers are Allen Weaver, Clayton Burgess, LB Brooks, Brandon Chambers, Mark Patton and Troy Pickard. Honorary pallbearer is Jeff Curtis. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Disabled Veterans, 4601 Forbes Blvd., Suite #130, Lanham, MD 20706 or Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Online condolences may be shared with the family and viewed on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Burgess family. Office: (423) 543-5544.