Dr. George H. Burgess

Dr. George H. Burgess
December 16, 2021
Bradenton, Florida - Dr. George H. Burgess, age 73, passed away peacefully December 16, 2021, with his loving wife, Devony, by his side.
George was a giant of a man, in stature and in heart. He lived each day of life with integrity, love, passion and commitment. He was completely devoted to his family and his dental practice. His presence in the lives of all who knew him will never be forgotten and his absence will be felt every day.
George was born to George and Hulda (Harke) Burgess in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Grosse Pointe High School, George attended the University of Michigan, before graduating from the University of Florida. In 1975, he received his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, Virginia. He began his dental career as an associate in Plant City, Florida, where he met his future wife, Devony Smith. In 1978 he opened his private practice in Bradenton, Florida.
George was known for his quick wit, a sincere spirit and a gift of caring for others. For over 43 years, he cared for the patients of his dental practice and was honored to do so. He genuinely enjoyed the staff and colleagues he had the pleasure of working with over the years. Being a dentist was more than a profession to him, it was a way of life.
Dr. Burgess was a Life Member in the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and the Manatee Dental Society (where he served as a past president). He was instrumental in the development of the Dental Hygiene Program at the State College of Florida, where he served on their board of advisors. He was especially fond of sharing his knowledge and mentoring others considering a future in dentistry.
George was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his children and his grandchildren stole his heart. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing the backwaters of Florida and flyfishing the trout streams of North Georgia, his favorite place to relax. Family vacations held special memories and their love of Maine led to the family tradition of Maine lobster boils, for any occasion! George enjoyed training his labs, Rocky and Winnie, for hunting and forgave his final lab, Gordie, for not liking the water!
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Devony; daughter, Katie (Jeff) Weihrauch of Katy, Texas; son, Andrew Burgess of Bradenton; 2 precious grandchildren; Adelynn Rose and James George Weihrauch.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, January 15 , 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3200 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Coastal Conservation Association Florida, PO Box 568886, Orlando, FL 32856 or Suncoast Waterkeeper, PO Box 1028, Sarasota, FL 34230. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.