J.C. Burgess, age 78, of Ellenboro, NC, passed away Monday, July 30, 2012.

J.C. was born May 27, 1934 in Polk County, NC to the late Theodore Burgess and Mary Skipper Burgess.  He was a US Army veteran, having served during the Korean War.  He worked for Burlington Industries most of his life and was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. He enjoyed golfing and watching old westerns.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carrie Bailey Burgess; two brothers, R.L. Burgess and Calvin Burgess; two sisters, Beulah Wilson and Lana McDaniel.

Survivors include his wife, Joann Burgess; two step-sons, John Hamrick and Ray Dean Hamrick both of Ellenboro; four sisters, Geneva Running and husband, David of Redwood, NY, Minnie Jean Gibbs and husband, William of Hendersonville, June Lafoy Ruff and husband, Abraham of Kings Mountain, Wilma Lee Clemons and husband, Bob of Rutherfordton; two brothers, Donald Burgess and wife, Carolyn of Hendersonville and A.D. Burgess of Forest City.

Funeral services were conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend David Hawkins officiating.  Interment followed in Oak Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.      Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of choice.

Harrelson Funeral Home is caring for the Burgess Family.