Earl W. Burgess

Earl W. Burgess, 80, of Sherando, VA, formerly of Coaldale, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Augusta Health after a long illness. He was born February 21, 1932 in Maybeury, West Virginia to the late George H. Burgess and the late Ida Wood Burgess. He was a member of the American Legion Post 340 where he was serving as Sergeant at Arms and served in the US Army and retired from the National Guard. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ginny Lee Mitchelson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, David Burgess and Howard Mitchelson; a special friend for many years, Virginia “Ginny” Fitzgerald and his brother-in-laws, Roger Birchman and Donald Sims. He is survived by his son, George “Ed” Burgess and his wife Betty of Crimora; a grandson, Christopher “Chris” Lee Burgess and his wife Stacy of Grottoes; great grandchildren, Joshua and Jaelynn Burgess; sisters, Kathleen Marie Bircham of Bluewell, WV and Mary Lee Sims of Sherando. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews that loved him dearly, and his cargegiver and extended family at Augusta Health Dialysis, Augusta Nursing and Rehabilitation and Avante of Waynesboro. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Rev. Roger Carroll officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell where Jackie Price, Kenneth Price, Anthony Price, Terry Price, Hector Bircham, and Roger (Todd) Bircham will serve as pallbearers. Military honors will be conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Council. Friends may call on Wednesday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the national kidney foundation, Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.