Marion Alvin Burgess

Clinton, SC - To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8. After a brief illness, Marion Alvin "Al" Burgess, age 90, beloved husband, proud father, grandfather and great grandfather passed from this life into his eternal rest on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Al was born on January 28, 1935, in Williamston, SC, to the late Griffin and Ida (Christian) Burgess.

On the day he turned eighteen, Al was excited to join the United States Air Force and proudly serve his country. He would go on to serve on the island of Iwo Jima after the conclusion of World War II. This was an experience that shaped him forever. If you ever had the chance to meet Al, you would be sure to hear about it, how he served on an island off the coast of Japan, two miles wide and three miles long. You would know that "there was a woman behind every tree, except there were no trees on the island." No doubt, up to his last days, he got many a chuckle with that joke.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy "Pat" Simpson Burgess, his two sons: Michael (Shannon) Burgess and James (Brenda) Burgess, as well as his bonus daughter and sons: Joyce (Bret) Bishop, Lee (Anne) Donnan, Bob (Roxanne) Donnan, his grandchildren: Sabrina (Baker) Cleveland, Griffin (Amanda) Burgess, Paris Burgess, Samuel Burgess, Josiah Burgess, Chasity (Tim) Ray, Danny (Cindy) Donnan, Michael (Katrina) Donnan, Tyler (Candice) Bishop and Nicole (Benjamin) Smith, as well as twelve great-grandchildren. His desire was for his family to be a "family of love, now and forever more".

In 1996, Al and Pat purchased land in Clinton, South Carolina where they would happily spend their days together, often on their porch just watching the wildlife go by. Clinton soon became their favorite place in the world, where they made many deep friendships, including one special devoted friend, Darien Baird.

Al was a man of strong Christian faith who was sure to pray at every meal, and every car trip, even if the trip was just to his favorite store Aldi's. On the day prior to his passing, he was over heard praying for the meal at the community table at Clinton Presbyterian.

He is predeceased in death by his parents as well as three brothers, Furman Burgess, Rosebud and Gary McGaha.

The family would like to sincerely thank the angels at Clinton Presbyterian Community Home for their loving care of Al during his time there. Their dedicated care and commitment to him and to his family will never be forgotten.

Receiving of friends will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Bellview Baptist Church, 757 Bellview Church Road, Laurens, South Carolina 29360 with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Bellview Baptist Church Building Fund, 757 Bellview Church Road, Laurens, South Carolina 29360.