Harry Howard Burgess

1937 - 2025

Harry Howard Burgess, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at 2:15 p.m.
He was born on June 19, 1937, in Murphy to the late Luther Burgess and Orpha White Burgess.
He lived most of his life in Cherokee County and was a 1955 graduate of Murphy High School.
He married Virginia Dair Akin on Jan. 6, 1956, in McCaysville, Ga.
As a young man, he worked on many different jobs, but found his vocation working as a salesman at Murphy's Western Auto Store, which he and Virginia purchased in 1972 and later renamed as Harry's Guns. The store also managed the local N.C. License Plate Agency which brought Harry into contact with almost everyone in the county and suited his natural inclination to befriend all.
After selling the store in 1992 and later turning the license plate agency over to new management, Harry worked part time for United Community Bank in Murphy and then at a Cherokee County Convenience Center. He especially enjoyed working at the convenience center because it gave him the opportunity to make new friends and help others, whether by unloading trash for those with physical challenges, or finding a donated item for someone with a need.
He finally and reluctantly retired fully in 2023 at the age of 86.
He was a devoted and loving husband throughout his long and happy marriage to Virginia. He was also a proud and supportive father and grandfather. He still had plenty of love left over for his extended family and multitude of friends.
He enjoyed socializing, keeping busy, and fishing when he could.
Throughout Harry's life, he was always looking for ways to help others, either individually by offering a hand or a needed item, or through energetic membership in organizations that serve others as part of their mission.
He was a lifelong member of Ranger Baptist Church, a member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge No. 146 in Murphy since 1959 where he served as secretary for many years, a dual member of Montgomery Lodge No. 426 in Ranger, a member of the Order of Eastern Star Murphy Chapter No. 10 since 1991, a member of the Nantahala Regional Library Board of Trustees from 1996-2008, a member of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad for a number of years and later a member of Ranger Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Murphy Merchants Association for several years and chairman in 1971, and a youth baseball manager in 1958, 1959 and 1971.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia; a younger sister, Rosemary Picklesimer; four children, Janet Burgess, Teresa Bowen and husband James, Bruce Burgess and wife Jennifer, Kent Burgess and wife, Elizabeth; five grandchildren, Vanessa Verner, Aylin Turner, Christopher Bowen, Samantha Bowen and Devan Jump; two great-grandsons, Harry Verner and Corbin Jump; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family, friends and others are invited to Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, to reminisce, honor and celebrate Harry's life.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Ranger Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Wilson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Harry Burgess to Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565; or Truett Baptist Children's Home, 2235 N.C. 141, Marble, NC 28905.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.