Michael Paul Burgess Sr

Born on October 16, 1954, Michael 'Mickey' P. Burgess, Sr., peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2023. As the youngest of 5 siblings, Mickey graduated a year early from the carpentry program at McKinley High School in 1973 and then furthered his education at Erie Community College, graduating in 1990 with a degree in civil engineering. After spending 12 years as a light for Christ while working for Republic Steel, he continued his work as a civil engineer for many firms throughout Western New York.

Through Mickey's kingdom work, he received the assignment of the event coordinator for the Men's Promise Keepers Conference in Buffalo, New York. Then, in 1997, Mickey's love for fishing was amplified as he transitioned from a fisherman to a fisher of men on behalf of Jesus Christ. Called to lead as the Buffalo City Mission Men's Ministry Director, he was passionate and felt a strong sense of duty to help the city's homeless population overcome substance abuse and find shelter. Sharing his passion for Christ continued when he was called into ministry and ordained as a Minister of the Gospel during his membership at Midtown Bible Church in Buffalo, NY. Mickey's earthly journey eventually led him to be appointed as an Elder at New Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer, where he and Toyia ministered to married couples until their relocation to North Carolina in 2012. Mickey's role in mentoring families and young men through His passion for Christ was immeasurable.

Mickey's love for family was unmatched and only surpassed by his love for the Lord, which brightened his already infectious smile even more. Mickey also enjoyed traveling, singing, socializing, cooking, golfing, fishing, hunting, snorkeling, and laughing. Strangers flocked to him everywhere he went, not just because of his smile - but because his love for Christ shined as a light that could never be extinguished. Always a friend to the friendless, a listening ear, and a fierce prayer warrior who led by example that the battle begins in prayer.

Though Mickey completed his race that was well-run, his memory will perpetually be cherished by those he left behind. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Toyia Burgess, siblings Terry Moore (Lois), Barbara Burgess-Page, and Velma Watson, children Lisa Burgess (Charles), Evelyn Falls (Edward), Michael Burgess, Jr., Adam Burgess, Tameeka Shannon (Jeffrey), Daresha Solomon (Demone) and Latawsha Toomer (Jermaine), and a host of grand children, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Mickey was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Rebecca Mays-Burgess, his father Pastor Nathaniel Allen Burgess, and his sister Jacqueline Collins
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