Msgt. Gregory Alan Burgess (Ret.) Obituary (1962 - 2021)

MSgt. Gregory Alan Burgess, (Ret.), age 58, of Wyoming, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 14, 2021. He was born November 28, 1962, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to the late James and Joyce (Callicoat) Burgess. Greg graduated from Rogers High School with the class of 1979. Greg proudly joined the U.S. Air Force in 1980. He served in the Gulf War as well as numerous combat operations including Grenada, rescuing students being held captive and Panama during the capture of Noriega. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring honorably in 2000. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Silver Oak Cluster, Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and the Air Force Longevity Service award Ribbon with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Greg enjoyed riding his Harley, hot rods, and bartering. He always had a way of being the center of attention with his outgoing personality. His love for his family was unconditional and he never said goodbye without giving a hug and a kiss. Survivors include his twin sons, Andrew Alan (Jennifer) Burgess and Justin Gregory (Shannon) Burgess; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brenna, Averyana, Colton and Grayson; brothers James M. (Mary) Burgess, Jeffrey V. (Sandra) Burgess, Don R. (Amy) Burgess; 4 nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his parents. Gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, August 20, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until Noon at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E. at 36th Street (one block west of Eastern Avenue), Grand Rapids, where military honors will be rendered by the Kent County Honor Guard at 12:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.