Remembering Coach Bill Burgess: Rick Burgess fondly remembered his father, Bill Burgess, as “truly one of a kind” following the passing of the Hall of Fame Jacksonville State football coach at age 82.
To many, he is coach, but to his family, he is Husband, Dad, and Pop, posted the Rick & Bubba co-host on Instagram. While coaching was his profession, it did not define his identity.
God has been so gracious to me in so many ways. I will always be grateful that my heavenly Father gave me an [earthly] father like Bill Burgess, Rick Burgess continued. Truly one of a kind.
On Twitter, the radio host found solace in the thought that his 2 1/2-year-old son, Bronner Burgess, who tragically drowned in the familys swimming pool in 2008, was now reunited with his grandfather in heaven. Rick Burgess shared an Instagram post from his wife, Sherri Burgess, expressing this sentiment.
Together again! Bronners Pop stepped into glory with him and into the presence of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, this morning at 1:11 surrounded by his family, Sherri Burgess posted alongside a photo of Bill Burgess with his arm around Bronner. What a presence this man was in my own life and in the lives of all who knew him, and what comfort to know with all assurance that we will meet again! Love never ends!
Bill Burgess passing was announced by the athletic department at JSU, where he served as coach from 1985-96. He achieved a record of 84-49-4 with the Gamecocks, securing four Gulf South Conference championships and the 1992 Division II national title.
On behalf of the entire JSU family, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Burgess Family, said Jax State president Don Killingsworth. Coach Burgess launched JSU to national recognition in football and was one of the best at building young men into the great husbands, fathers, and community members that they are today. He will surely be missed, and all of the Burgess family and Gamecock football family are in our prayers.
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