Courtland – Joseph Madison "J.M." "Jimmy" Burgess, 91, beloved father and grandfather, passed away August 7, 2018. Mr. Burgess was a lifelong resident of Southampton County and was a son of the late Matt and Lillie Mae Joyner Burgess. He was a lifelong farmer and was a retired industrial carpenter for Union Camp Corporation after 30 years of service. He was a member of Vincent's Grove United Methodist Church and the Courtland Masonic Lodge. Mr. Burgess was predeceased by his wives, Dean Ramsey Burgess, Anne Reynolds Burgess and Mollie Lassiter Burgess, brothers, Elmo, Roland, Reginald and Allen Burgess and sister Virginia B. Covington.

Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Jenny B. Bunn (Blair), Teresa B. Gibbs (Jonathan), five sons, Joseph Madison Burgess, Jr. (Connie), Barry Dean Burgess (Jane), Perry Glenn Burgess, Wyatt Dale Burgess (Patsy) and Todd Ramsey Burgess (Brenda) , a sister-in-law Shirley Burgess, nine grandchildren, Katie, April, Jarrod, Brad, Tana, Nikki, Taylor, Dean and Kole, thirteen great grandchildren, Kaleb, Cameron, Zach, Baylee, Austin, Blake, Ainsley, Jon-Charles, Ellie, Annie, Carson, Charlotte and Gracie, and Mollie's children, Jeannie P. Ginn (Harvey) and Jimmy Parker, Jr. (Amy) and her grandchildren, Autumn, Joseph, Emilee and Trey.

He was a wonderful steward of the land, mud holes and washes in his fields required his immediate attention. He never met a stranger and was known far and wide for his superb sense of humor. He was admired by all who knew him and will be missed tremendously.

The family would like to thank Joyce Rowland and Patsy King for their excellent care of our Daddy.

A funeral will be held at 3 PM Friday August 10, 2018 in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin with Rev. Fred Brockhausen officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 PM in the funeral home and suggests that memorial donations be made to Vincent's Grove United Methodist Church c/o Randy Burgess, 23359 Hanging Tree Rd., Courtland, VA 23837. www.wrightfuneralhome.org