Leon "Pappy Burgess

Leon “Pappy” Burgess, 88 years young, died April 1, 2015 at his residence in Gardendale, AL. A Memorial Service was conducted April 4, 2015, at the Mount Olive Community Center, in Mount Olive, AL, for friends and family. Prior to his move to Gardendale, he resided on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a home builder and a collector of everything old and wonderful. In his lifetime, he was an avid historian, a genealogist, an author, and a very wise and gentle man who gave each of his children a challenge to think a new thought. Leon was born August 28, 1926, in Bruce, MS, son of the late L.L. Burgess and Lola Burgess. He was a builder of many subdivisions that are still providing shelter and comfort for many coastal families. He was an active member of the Mississippi City Lions Club and the Handsboro Baptist Church. He attended the University of Mississippi, but like so many young men enlisted in the United States Army on August 26, 1944. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1947 at the rate of sergeant. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Sue Burgess and his second wife Ruby Dean Burgess, and his son Leslie Burgess. He is survived by three daughters: Susan Locke (Robert), of Gulfport, MS, Linda Caranna – Bankston (John), of Biloxi, MS, and Lisa Burgess Farley of Gardendale, AL, as well as nine grandchildren: Andi Locke Hall, Marion Locke, Silas Caranna, Mary Sue Caranna, Jon Caranna, Donnie Caranna, Melissa Trusty, Adam Trusty, and Nic Farley and thirteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Gulfport. Please join the family and friends after the service at the property (10785 East Taylor Road) on the bayou for a celebration of Pappy’s life. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com