A native of Houston, Burgess was a standout student-athlete  for the Prairie View A&M Panther football team from 1969 to 1971.  He earned All-SWAC football honors in 1970 as a kick returner and returned to Prairie View A&M after his playing career came to an end and served the university in a variety of roles. 

Burgess was an instructor in the Department of Health and Human Performance in addition to assisting legendary head baseball coach John Tankersely on the diamond until the 2002 season.  Burgess returned to the football field and coached running backs in 2003 under C.L. Whittington before moving on to the softball diamond as the team's head coach from 2004 to 2008.

The funeral is scheduled for this morning (Friday, Oct. 28) at Lilly Grove Baptist Church (7034 Tierwester) in Houston beginning at 11 a.m.  The Interment will follow at Paradise South Cemetery.