Mr. Ben Jess Burgess, Sr. age 81 of Ellijay, GA died Thursday April 11, 2013.

Mr. Burgess was born May 20, 1931 in Gilmer County the son of the late John Henry and Mamie Manning Burgess. He worked for Gilmer County Waste Management Office, served with the U S. Army as an M.P. and was of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include: Wife: Faye McPherson Burgess of the home, Daughters: Clarice Wright, Shelia Sowell both of Ellijay, Sister; Willa Mae Johnson, Canton, 5 grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Sat. April 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm from the Yukon cemetery with Rev. Edmund Miller officiating. Military rites will be by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends Saturday at the cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Sheriff Boys Ranch in memory of Mr. Burgess.

Bernhardt Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com