William Darrell Burgess, 74, known affectionately as Darrell to his friends and family, passed away on December 11, 2024, at Baptist Health Paducah. Darrell was born on October 30, 1950, in Mayfield, Kentucky, to the late James Elmer and Ruby Burgess.
Darrell spent many years dedicated to his work at General Tire, where he was respected as a skilled Tire Builder. His commitment to his job was paralleled only by his involvement in his church, where he was known for his willingness to lend a hand and his infectious laughter that could lighten even the heaviest of atmospheres.
An avid outdoorsman, Darrell cherished the times he could escape to the woods for deer and rabbit hunting or to a quiet lake for fishing. His love for nature was only surpassed by his passion for music. Playing the guitar and singing was not just a hobby for Darrell; it was a way to connect with others, share stories, and create memories.
Darrell's family was the bedrock of his existence. His devotion to his wife was a testament to what it means to love unconditionally. The laughter, love, and laughs he brought to family gatherings created an atmosphere where everyone felt at home. As a grandpa and an “Unc”, he was truly one of a kind—an irreplaceable figure in his family's life.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 56 years, Angela Burgess; one daughter, Darla (Paul) Hayden of Fancy Farm; two sons, Kevin (Stacy) Burgess, of Milburn, and Joey (Crystal) Burgess, of Milburn; one sister, Jane Jones Higgins, of Dublin, Kentucky; one brother, Jerry Burgess, of Mayfield, Kentucky; one brother-in-law, Duane Rogers, of Milburn; 5 grandchildren, Tori Burgess, Zach (Caroline) Williams, Savanna (Trea) Williams, Hope Hayden, and Grace (Dalton) Muscovalley; six great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.
Darrell was preceded in death by his grandson, Joshua Smith; five sisters, Dean Tyler, Virginia Davis, Faye Lee, Sarah Riley, and Pearl Keeling; three brothers, Leon Burgess, Donald Burgess, and Thomas Burgess; and his parents.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bardwell, with Fr. Chrispin Oneko officiating. Burial will follow at St. Jerome Cemetery in Fancy Farm, Kentucky.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bardwell.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to, The Ronald McDonald House Charities, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
