Charles Walter "Walter Dawg" Burgess

Charles Walter Burgess, lovingly known as “Walter Dawg,” passed away on November 28, 2025, in Moultrie, Georgia. Born on October 19, 1952, in Tift County, he was a proud lifelong resident of the community he dearly loved.

Walter graduated from Tift County High School in 1971. Though he battled polio at an early age, he never allowed it to slow him down or diminish his spirit. For forty-seven remarkable years, he served as the Athletics Manager for Tift County High School. His dedication was unmatched—missing only one game in nearly five decades, and that only because he had the flu. Walter was the heart of Tift County athletics and was fondly known as “Mr. Blue Devil.”

He was a devoted member of Believers Baptist Church, where he faithfully served and lovingly cared for the church grounds for forty-two years. His service there was a true source of pride and purpose.

Walter worked for thirty-three years at the USDA Experiment Station before retiring from a long and steady career. He also served his community as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Tift County Fire Department. Although he never married, he often joked that he was “available,” a reflection of his good humor and warm personality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Franks Burgess and Joseph Freeman Burgess.

Walter is survived by his three brothers’, J.F. (Joe) Burgess and his wife Joyce of Rome, Georgia, Carson Burgess and his wife Nancy of Summerville, South Carolina, Dennis Burgess of Nashville, Georgia. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with countless friends, former students, coworkers, and his beloved church family. All will remember him for his kindness, loyalty, humor, and unwavering dedication to his community.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with Rev. Conway Harris, Mr. Bobby Bennett and Mr. Randy Clements officiating. His brother, Carson Burgess will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Bobby Bennett, Kyle Kirk, Ronnie Greer, Rusty Smith, Kyle Dean, and Dewey Sexton will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Tift County Special Olympics. P.O. Box 2144, Tifton, GA 31793.

Walter’s legacy of service, love, and faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.