Emery Jackson Burgess, Sr., 81, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at his home on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Born on November 25, 1941, in Prosperity, West Virginia, he was the son of Emory J. and Rosie Elizabeth (Smith) Burgess. He attended school in Prosperity.

On November 4, 1961, he married Eva Jean McCormick. They have made their home in rural Columbia City for the past 50 years.

A professional over-the-road truck driver, he specialized in heavy hauling driving for Howard Martin of Fort Wayne, Kroger Stores, and retiring from Ornsby of Uniondale.

When at home, he enjoyed fishing, manicuring his lawn, or tending his vegetable garden.

Spending time with his sons working on their drag race cars was a favorite activity. As his mobility diminished, he liked watching old westerns and the History Channel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Eva; children, Dana Burgess of Columbia City, Deborah J. Sullivan of Luthersville, GA, and Emory J. Burgess, Jr of New Haven; grandchildren, Abbrielle Getts, Emory Burgess, Ashley Terzo, Brittney Weeks, Cortney Burgess, Zachary Burgess, and Nicholas Edmondson; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Clinton and Ernest Burgess of Columbus, OH, Donna Kay York and Francis Puckett of Albemarle, NC.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.

The funeral service is 4 p.m. Saturday, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Visitation is from 2 until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to Samaritan's Purse.