Too many fond memories growing up to write,may you be at rest with the Lord and enjoy being with Shirley and your boys, my heart is saddened especially for Becky and Sharon , I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers
Robert Edward Burgess "Bobcat"
January 26, 1933 ~ July 11, 2026
Born in: Edgecombe County, North Carolina
Resided in: Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Resided in: Rocky Mount, North Carolina
ROCKY MOUNT – Robert Edward Burgess (Bobcat), age 93, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on January 26, 1933, he was the son of the late Gideon Austin Burgess, Sr. and Mae Attrice Green Burgess. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Beaudry Burgess; sons, Larry Alton Burgess, Steven George Burgess; grandchild, Sandy Lee Webb; sister, Helen Burgess Reynolds; brothers, Gideon Austin Burgess, Jr. “G.A.”, John Lovatt Burgess, and a cousin that was like a brother, Robert Burgess “Snake”.
Bobcat proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard and the United States Air Force. As a member of the second graduating class of Atomic Bomb Technicians, he served with honor, dedication, and pride.
A truck driver by trade, Bobcat loved being on the road and often said he never worked a day in his life because he truly enjoyed driving. Whether taking Sunday afternoon drives, setting off on a road trip, or making an ice cream run, he was always ready to go.
He found great joy in caring for his flowers, keeping his yard beautiful, and cutting grass. He also enjoyed woodworking, whittling, watching NASCAR, and cheering for Dale Earnhardt and Buddy Baker. Many peaceful afternoons were spent sitting on the porch watching the big rigs roll by. He even had a special gift with animals, once training a squirrel to eat from his hand.
Above all, Bobcat was a devoted father who wholeheartedly supported his daughters and a loving grandfather whose grandchildren adored him. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, kind heart, unwavering love for his family, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Bobcat is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Joyner, Sharon Shaeffer; grandchildren, Patrick Wade Joyner (April), William Alan Joyner (Stephanie); multiple great, and great-great grandchildren, and longtime friend and neighbor, Bob Storey.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Stephanie Taylor Joyner officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM prior to the service in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Flowers are welcome.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Services
Visitation: Thursday, July 16, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services
661 English Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 937-8886
info@johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com
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2026-07-16 15:00:00
2026-07-16 03:45:00
RobertEdwardBurgess "Bobcat"Visitation
Visitation
661 English Road,Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Funeral Service: Thursday, July 16, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services
661 English Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 937-8886
info@johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com
Add to My Calendar
America/New_York
2026-07-16 16:00:00
2026-07-16 04:30:00
RobertEdwardBurgess "Bobcat"Funeral Service
Funeral Service
661 English Road,Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Burial: Thursday, July 16, 2026 5:00 pm
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Boulevard
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252-937-4600
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America/New_York
2026-07-16 17:00:00
2026-07-16 17:00:00
RobertEdwardBurgess "Bobcat"Burial
Burial
4454 Dortches Boulevard,Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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