Louis Neal Burgess

LOUIS NEAL BURGESS, 78, of Little Rock, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. He was born in Ashley County to Mattie Lee and Elisha Burgess, and was an active member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities, including Sunday School teacher. Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joann Chapman; and stepfather, Lloyd Jones; he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Sue "Susie" Burgess; sister, Joyce Jones (Jimmie) of Newport; sons, Steve Burgess (Kim) of Pine Bluff and Gregg Burgess (Peter Kaldes) of Lorton, Va.; grandchildren, Beth (Blake Crawford) of Little Rock, Payton of Fairfax, Va. and Lance Corporal Adam Burgess, U.S.M.C., stationed in New Windsor, N.Y.; and a surrogate grandchild, Shana Bell (Jimmy) of Benton. Louis retired in 1989 as Executive Vice President of Customer Service for Entergy (AP&L) following 31 years of service. Throughout his career at AP&L, Louis and his family lived in McGehee, Stuttgart, Hazen, DeWitt, Crossett, Pine Bluff, Harrison, and he finished his career in Little Rock. He was an active member of the civic clubs and Methodist churches at each of these locations. As in his working career, he was very active during his retirement years. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed traveling the U.S. with his wife, Susie, accumulating one of the largest collections of Early American stoneware in the country. He was also an excellent poker player. Louis was an avid hunter and fisherman, which took him to various remote locations throughout North America. He loved showing his hunting trophies, which quickly exceeded the home addition that was built exclusively for this purpose. He was also an active member and office holder in the Mozart Hunting Club located in Snow Lake, Ark. Services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Daniel Kirkpatrick and Dr. Wade Shones. The service will be open for members of the congregation to share their memories of Louis. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501)224-2200. Louis's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.