Phillip Gordon Burgess

Phillip Gordon Burgess, 80, of Ferndale passed away Monday, January 22, 2018. He was born October 28, 1937 in Little Rock to P.E. and Eunice Burgess. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Virginia Moser Burgess; daughters, Tamey (Mike) Craig, Phyllis (Mike) Scurlock; granddaughter, Jackelyn (Chris) Racey and grandson, Timothy Moreland. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Echols Allday; brother, Paul (Sandy) Burgess; sister-in-law, Erma Dell Burgess; brother-in-law, Lawrence (Sue) Moser and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Pat Burgess; niece, Deborah Echols Minyard and nephew, Mark Burgess. Phil was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Ferndale, Arkansas for 72 years, serving as Deacon, Treasurer, Sunday school teacher and choir member. After three years' service in the United States Army, Phil worked for Little Rock Road Machinery Company for thirty years before continuing the service department as Burgess Heavy Equipment Service Company for another twenty-two years. He valued his relationship with his individual customers and he was respected for his honesty, skill and expertise. Phil lived his life by the example of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…." Phil loved his family very much. They have been blessed to care for him in these last months as he always cared for them. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Benny Green, Dr. Alex Orsini, Arkansas Hospice, Presbyterian Village, and special nieces, Anja Scarberry and Edie Mancarella for their loving, compassionate care. Memorials suggested to Arkansas Hospice or to Arkansas Special Olympics. Services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 27025 Kanis Road. The family will greet friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall. Burial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2018 at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.