Deacon Ernest Burgess, Sr.

Deacon Ernest Velmar “Yogi” Burgess Sr., 80, husband of Mrs. Connie Averett Burgess for 53 years, transitioned on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at his residence. Born in Junction City, Arkansas, he was a son of the late the Ernest V. Burgess and Elizabeth Burgess.

Surviving, in addition to his wife: one daughter, Gail (Jerome) Johnson of Charleston, SC; three sons, Reverend Ernest Jr., (Miriam) Burgess, and Robert Burgess and William (Bridget) Burgess, both of Greenville, SC; one sister, Albertha Jamison of North Charleston, SC; two brothers, Reverend Billy Burgess of Dallas, TX, and Clarence (Barbara) Burgess of Charleston, SC; twelve grandchildren; twenty- five great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 3:00PM, at Long Branch Baptist Church, with interment at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.