Cory W. Burgess

Spc. Cory W. Burgess, 23, of Ragley died on Saturday, June 30, 2007 in Alaska.

Burgess was born in Lake Charles, La., and had lived in Ragley most of his life. He was a 2002 graduate of South Beauregard High School where he played baseball and football. Cory was presently serving his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska with the 164th Military Police Company. He completed a one-year tour in Afghanistan and was scheduled to deploy to Iraq on Thursday, July 5.

Cory was a member of Living Faith Fellowship Church. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and had a passion for shooting sports. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, who he loved dearly.

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Ricky and Katy Burgess of Ragley, La.; a daughter, Hannah Burgess of Fort Bragg, N.C.; a brother, Chase Burgess of Ragley, La.; paternal grandparents, Wanda and Johnny Anderson of Sulphur, La.; paternal great-grandmothers, Bertha Burgess and Lela Van both of Westlake, La.; maternal grandmother, Smoky Brabham of Enterprise, Ala.; and numerous very close aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Ivory Slater "Buster" Burgess and maternal grandfather, John E. Brabham.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 6, at 10 a.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Kennis Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Westlake Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, July 5, and will continue on Friday, July 6, from 8 a.m. until time of services.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, La., 337-478-8687, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.eprisenow.com.