Mr. Joseph Lee “Joe” Burgess

July 12, 1946 - January 14, 2024

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visitation

Liberty Mortuary

30 S. Palmetto Street

Liberty, SC 29657

(864) 843-9211 |

Wednesday 1/17, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

service

Easley First Baptist Church

300 E. First Avenue

Easley, SC 29640

8648594052 |

Thursday 1/18, 1:00 pm

cemetery

Hillcrest Memorial Park

Burial will be private.

Joe Burgess

Easley, SC

Joseph Lee Burgess, husband of Kathy Brazzell Burgess, passed away after a battle with heart and kidney issues on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was affectionately known as Coach, JB, Pa Joe, and Pumpkin. He loved his Lord, his family, and his community. He also loved to make people happy with a good laugh at stories he could tell on himself and others.

He was a 1964 graduate of Pickens High School and played in the first football game in the opening of the original Liberty High School Stadium. After high school, Joe attended The Citadel graduating in 1968.

That same year his coaching career began at Lexington High School as an Assistant Football Coach. He also taught at Pelion High School and served as the Athletic Director. There he coached Boys and Girls Basketball (a total of 4 teams) in the Winter as well as Track and Baseball in the Spring.

In 1969 he became an assistant football coach at Walhalla High School where he also coached Girls Basketball and Golf.

In 1971 he became an Assistant Football Coach at Ware Shoals High where he later became Head Football Coach. He also served as Head Baseball Coach and head Track Coach. The first victory of his football coaching career at Ware Shoals High School came with a victory over Liberty High School at the Liberty High Football Stadium!

In 1975 he left coaching to become Sports Director and Sales Representative at WELP Radio Station in Easley. There he began Buck’s Scoreboard, a weekly scoreboard program reporting high school football scores from all over the Upstate. Coaches and reporters from all over the upstate called in to report on the games. He also announced the games of the American Legion Team in Easley, and helped coach Little League Football with his good friend Charlie Hopkins.

While working at WELP he began a wholesale business known as Carolina Fireworks in Easley. He would go on the road in a pick up truck with a briefcase of examples of the fireworks to take orders and then deliver the orders the same way.

In 1987 he began teaching part time at Liberty High School. In 1988 he became an assistant football coach with the Red Devils. In 1991 he became the Head Football Coach at Liberty High School. He was inducted into the Liberty High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

During his tenure as Head Coach, the football program made it to the State Playoffs every year except one. They won Liberty’s last Conference Championship in 1995. He was named Conference Coach of the Year as well. In 1999 he coached in the SC North/South Football Game in Myrtle Beach, SC.

He enjoyed attending Southern Gospel Music concerts and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Easley Lions Club; taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at Liberty First Baptist Church and later at Easley First Baptist Church.

He was so proud of his children and their accomplishments, and was known as Pa Joe to his grandchildren.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Clyde and Blanche Looper Burgess.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years Kathy Burgess; his children, Jabo Burgess (Angie), Kathy Ann Crowe (Roger), and Jab Burgess (Ashley); grandchildren, Tucker Burgess (Madison), Connor Friend (Seth), Wylie Crowe, Bailey Crowe, Grayson Burgess, Lauren Burgess, and Ryan Burgess; a great grandson, Sullivan Friend; also surviving are his sister, Jane Burgess and his brother-in-law, Capers Brazzell (Deborah).

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Easley First Baptist Church by Rev. Dr. John Adams, Rev. Travis Brooks, and Rev. Seth Friend. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Liberty Mortuary. Burial will be private.

Pallbearers will be Al Melton, Eric Houston, Jeromy Arnett, William Peppers, Scott Kerwin, and Andre Robinson.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial donations in Coach Burgess’ memory be made to the Liberty High School Athletic Department, ATTN: Football, 124 Red Devil Drive, Liberty SC 29657, or your local high school athletic department.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Pruitt Health Hospice, the 3^rd Floor Nurses, Doctors, and Staff of St. Francis Hospital Downtown for their exceptional care that he received along with all the love and support from all our friends and extended family during this time.

The family will be at the home. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Liberty Mortuary

30 S. Palmetto Street

Liberty, SC 29657

(864) 843-9211 | Map

Wednesday 1/17, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Easley First Baptist Church

300 E. First Avenue

Easley, SC 29640

8648594052 | Map

Thursday 1/18, 1:00 pm

Hillcrest Memorial Park

Burial will be private.

Joe Burgess Easley, SC Joseph Lee Burgess, husband of Kathy Brazzell Burgess, passed away after a battle with heart and kidney issues on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was affectionately known as Coach, JB, Pa Joe, and Pumpkin. He loved his Lord, his family, and his community. HeContinue Reading

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Mrs. Kathy I am ao sorry. I have just now learned of Mr.Burgess passing away. I am kind of out of words. I do know it was a privilege to have met Coach Burgess and I do know he treated us as if we just as important as anyone else. You may not remember me and that is ok . So sorry again for your loss and the family's loss.

Kathy I am so sorry about Joe ...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My deepest sympathies to all the family. Joe was always so kind and loving and cared for his family and friends. So glad to be part of that wonderful family. He will be missed. That big family circle is growing up in Heaven! Rest in Peace

Our hearts are filled with sadness but our tears are filled with unforgettable memories, smiles, and laughter. Love, Paula and Jerry Butler

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Joseph Burgess by Paula and Jerry Butler. Send Flowers

To the Burgess family, my sincere condolences. Today, we remember a giant of a man whose heart was larger than life—a humble, loving servant of God. Jesus' words in John 15:10-13 perfectly encapsulate the essence of Coach Joe Burgess: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Your father, Coach Joe Burgess, will be deeply missed. His impact on my life can never be fully repaid. Coach B, you were my friend, educator, leader of men, teacher of life, mentor, and coach—highly respected by every player, administrator, and community leader in Ware Shoals, SC. I had the privilege of knowing Coach Burgess more personally than most players at Ware Shoals High School. He took a unique chance on me, allowing me to believe in my future more than anyone else. For that, we grew to love each other. Coach exemplified how to love family, God, and his wife while still finding enough love to pour belief into his athletes' lives, regardless of their ethnicity. Thank you, Coach, for believing in me during difficult times heightened by the Civil Rights Act. Your interventions, high standards, and unwavering character made a lasting impact on all coaches, administrators, and players you coached. You faced every challenge head-on because you were a true leader, a friend, and a man of God. Ware Shoals thanks you, former players thank you, and I love you. I understand the final stage of your life journey was a difficult one, but God has called you home to be by His side. Someday, in eternity, we will hug again. I love you and will miss you, my friend! Jerry Butler
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Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

To the Burgess family, we share our deepest sympathies. Joe gave us a fantastic opportunity to join his coaching staff, and we have been forever grateful. He was a pleasure to work with. Surely Joe has joined the huddle of the Saints Triumphant.

Legends never die and Joe is definitely a legend. We love you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Joseph Burgess by The Allens, Jeanes, and Scotts. S&S, B&W, B&R.. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Joseph Burgess

I have known Joe most of my life. He was a kind man always willing to help in any way he could. Some of the best memories were when him and Charlie Hopkins coached our football team in elementary school the Tigers. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Dear family, Mr Burgess was my 9th grade science teacher making class so much fun. In 1976 I ran into him at WELP where I worked part time remembering old times. Then years later I ran a scoreboard show in Walhalla keeping track of his Red Devils and taking his reports. Papa Joe was a pleasure to know. I know you will miss him. Jeff Grant. WELP

Red Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Joseph Burgess by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Joe and his Wife Kathy started me in fireworks 🎆 business 20 years ago a good 20 years Joe is on those Golden Streets now was a very good 👍 man and friend a big plus to my and Wife's life 🧬 John W McCabe Jr God needed another 😇 Angel

Kathy and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We have always loved Joe!! I know your family will feel the loss of his presence!! Find comfort in knowing you know where he is and he is well!! We love y’all!! Love, Randy, Debbie and Cara

Going to miss you Joe. Never had you in class or played football but I went to school when you were there. Good man have fun in heaven I'll see you later.

One of the best pieces of advice Joe ever shared was when he once told me that "you can't sell out of an empty cart." That was his way of selling me those extra few cases because he knew I was gonna need them. And I always did! Joe left an impression on everyone he met and will be greatly missed.

I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My father was a customer of Joe’s with Carolina Fireworks. He had tremendous respect for Joe and passed on that respect to me and my brother. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know him. The family will be in my prayers.

Kathy, I just saw the notice of Joe's passing on Citadel Alumni Association Taps site. I remember Joe as bigger than life, a true teacher and mentor in his coaching career. A true Citadel man. My best to you and your family. The heavenly long gray line has received another honorable man. Stan EHS '66 Citadel '70

May God bring you peace in this difficult time.

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Joseph Burgess by Seth Scarborough. Send Flowers

Deepest condolences for your loss. Coach taught me so much. I appreciate everything he did for me as an ignorant 12 year old new to baseball. He was the only coach I had in my life who took the time to teach me baseball. He made a lasting impression. Peace and good vibes.

I was the golf coach at Tamassee-Salem and played golf several times with Joe when he was coaching at Liberty. He was a wonderful person and one of the nicest people I have ever met. Although I have not seen him in over 25 years, my memories of him are still great. That's indicative of the lasting impression he left on me. He will be missed. Mark McLean

Kathy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. We know you will miss Joe terribly. May our Lord give you strength and comfort, especially for the days ahead. Sincerely, Randy and Kelly

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The last time I encountered Joe was after a mutual friend's funeral and I mentioned in the 90's, Liberty High School's defeat in the Conference Championship game with Palmetto and the female kicker beating us with her extra point. Joe began his superb storytelling about his time as head coach. What a colorful character and he definitely had the "Gift of Gab". My thoughts and prayers are with you. Well done thy good and faithful servant!

My condolences to the family of Mr. Coach Burgess. He was truly a great teacher, coach, and role model to many of us at Liberty High School. For some, it was football (those guys could laugh for hours while telling football stories with Coach). For me, it was Drivers Education! (To Hardee's, every morning, here we come!) Thank you Coach for making LHS some of the best memories of our lives. You are loved and will be missed!

Joe always had a big smile, positive attitude, and was always making people laugh. I have great memories of all the Clemson games our families attended together years ago. I’m praying for y’all during this time of loss. I know your trust in the Lord and all the great memories that you have of Joe will comfort you from now until the Lord takes you home and you see Joe again.

Drivers Ed, Always lifted spirits, Always had a smile. Always .. Ty .

Plenty said her and all true. Prayers for all left behind.

A true mentor, coach, leader, friend and inspiration. Coach Burgess, your legacy will live on in all of us that were fortunate enough to play for you and experience your passion for life. Thank you!!

So sorry , Joe was a great guy. Lucky to have known him through , Coaching, fireworks and WELP plus numerous mutual friends He , Wilcey , Bruce Creel and a few others are up there making plans to play golf, sell fireworks and telling jokes/stories

Kathy and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Marilyn Burns

So sorry to hear of his passing. I knew him for many years and enjoyed our talks and doing business with him and Kathy. Praying for her and the family.🙏❤️🙏

Dear Kathy and the Burgess family, We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joe. As a kid (and an adult) I remember getting fireworks every season and he would always throw one that “I” had to try in. He was a great man who loved his family and was so proud of all of you! We are praying for you in the days, weeks, months and years! Love and prayers!

We wanted to send our prayers and condolences to the entire Burgess family we are grateful to have had Coach Burgess in our lives and how much I learned from a great Man.

I had the privilege of starting my teaching/coaching career with Joe at Walhalla High School in 1969. We spent two years working together where I became good friends with Joe and Kathy. We had a great time coaching and shared a bunch of great times which produced a lot of wonderful memories. Joe was a great guy and I always enjoyed spending time with him through the years. Rest in Peace my friend! Prayers for Kathy and all of the family.

Coach Burgess always had smile on his face and a story to tell. You could tell how much he absolutely loved his family. It’s an honor to share grandchildren with such an amazing family. I love you all and we will miss you Pa Joe. 💞💞🙏🙏💞💞

I’m so sorry for your loss. He was always so kind. I’m praying for all of the family 🙏🏻💕

Kathy, Kathy Anne, Jabo and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a great man. A man who loved his family. A man who had an impact on many youngsters during his coaching career. When I remember Joe Burgess, I laugh. He always told the funniest stories. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Praying for comfort for you all.

I am very sorry for your loss. I will always remember my first day behind the wheel in driver's ed. I wasn't tall enough to see over the dash. He said this won't work and found some cushions for me. He was very patient with me and I appreciate it still.

So sorry for your loss.Coach Burgess was my basketball coach at Walhalla in 1869-70. He was my favorite.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.