of Clinton, AR
January 10, 1942 - July 18, 2022
Johnny ''John'' Claiborne Burgess, known as ''Coach B'' to his students and ''Grandad'' to his family, was born on January 10, 1942 in Clinton, Arkansas to the late Cecil F. and Mary (Claiborne) Burgess. He passed from this life on July 18, 2022 in Clinton.
As ''Coach B'' for 47 years, he was loved and respected by all who knew him. More than a coach, he was a family man. Whether he was hitting the slots with the love of his life, discussing the latest Razorback game with his kids and grandkids, or pretending to be a dinosaur with his great-grandson, Grandad was always creating memories with his family. He was patient and kind, a mentor to all and a storyteller. Telling jokes until the very end, it was impossible not to feel joy in his presence. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda (Huie) Burgess; son, Michael Burgess of Bald Knob; daughter, Kristi Burgess of Maumelle; grandchildren, Nikki Burgess of Bald Knob and Scott Burgess and Sarah Milholen of Fayetteville; great-grandson, McKinley Golden of Bald Knob; sister, Katie O'Neal of Starkville, Mississippi; brother-in-law, Dan Huie of Clinton; several nieces, nephews and cousins; former students and friends.
The family will receive guests at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton. Memorial service honoring John's life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. To express online condolences, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Clinton.
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15 Condolence(s)
Charlene Kidd
Friday, July 22, 2022
Linda and family, so sorry to hear about John’s passing ! Joe always loved to visit and reminisce about the days they shared together! When they got together at their reunion.
Rocky Mills
Friday, July 22, 2022
Coach B was a good man and a great coach he always had a time for us kids he taught us more than just about sports
Bob Bonds
Thursday, July 21, 2022
While I’m sorry to learn of Johnnys passing, I celebrate his promotion into the Heavenly Kingdom. I have found memories of my family members, Linda and Glenda, along with Johnny and Danny. May God’s Grace provide you with comfort and peace.
Janet Hinson
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Our Prays are with you during this time. Please be comforted in the fact that your loss is heaven's gain. May our Lord hold you closely during each pasting day.
Jo Beth Burnett Shaw
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of Johnnys’s passing. I remember you and Glenda when your mom worked at my dad’s store, Burnett’s Variety and Johnny’s mom, Miss Mary that was with Lexie at Simpson’s. Such good memories. Im praying for comfort and peace for your family.
Barbara Duncan Fausett
Thursday, July 21, 2022
SO sorry to hear about Johnny. May he rest in the arms of God. Prayers for his family and May they have peace and comfort knowing they will see him again at the resurrection.
Rita and Sammy Collums
Thursday, July 21, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Kathy "Spears" Bageant
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Prayers and Blessings for all involved and all left behind. 💖ðŸ™
WELCOME HOME good and faithful servant 😇
Keith Truitt
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
John Burgess had an extremely positive influence on my life during my high school years. I certainly don't think I was the only one he had that affect on either. Coach B had a huge heart and really cared about every kid he approached, whether that be on the bus, in the classroom, on a sports team or just taking care of the football field during the summer. He was so patient and always had time for one-on-one mentoring moments. I didn't know that's what they were at the time. But looking back now, I know that Coach B helped guide me down the right paths with those conversations. He loved to laugh and it was infectious. He loved his family dearly and definitely set a great example of that for all of us to see. I loved that guy so much. Praying for Mama B, Kristi and Mike. Love you all! KT
Dawn Johnson
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
My deepest condolences to all of you. Prayers for Peace and Comfort. My memories of Coach B and all of you and your time in Decatur are precious to me and so many who were Blessed to have known Coach B and all of you. Prayers and Blessings to all of you.
Stu Rowland
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
I was lucky enough to have Coach B for drivers Ed and a few other classes at Bentonville High School. He was a great teacher and fun to be around.
Freddy Williams
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Linda and Kids, as I read in FB where Johnny had passed from this life, my mind raced back some sixty-five years where we played ball and just hung out like most boys do. as, we got older playing football, basketball, baseball for the yellowjacket, those were some of the best times of my life. John tore his ACL and had to watch from the sidelines for a while but sure enough he rehab his knee and was back on the field, but enough old memories, so what's in the past, stays in the past....Johnny was a buddy, part of the "Truck wagon gang" at the Blue Bonnet and school assemblies, just to mention a few places. We were proud YELLOWJACKETS for sure!!!!!!!!!
Toney and Sallie Parish
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Linda and family, We are so sorry for your loss of John. It is another terrible loss for the Class of 1959. John always came to our reunions and we will miss him. We pray God's blessings and peace on all of you.
Antione Golden
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Memaw(Linda), Praying for strength and understanding for the family in this time of mourning.
Laura Grimes
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Linda & family. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Johnny. My prayers go out to you all. May the Lord give comfort & peace to you all.