Talmadge Rudd Burgess, Jr.

HENDERSON- Talmadge “Tal” Rudd Burgess, Jr., 64, of NC Hwy 39 S, died September 1, 2023 at his home. Born May 25, 1959 in Charlotte, he was the son of Sylvia Smith Burgess and Talmadge “Pete” Rudd Burgess, Sr. of Durham. Talmadge was the owner and operator of Burgess Farms. His agricultural involvement included currently serving on the Vance County Soil and Water Conservation District board as well as being the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Area IV Chairman. He was currently serving on the Vance County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Talmadge was one of only five North Carolina flue-cured tobacco growers to receive the 1996 Philip Morris Award of Excellence in Tobacco Production. This awards program, sponsored by NC State University and the Philip Morris USA company, recognized tobacco farmers, ages 21-40, for outstanding production and community service. He was also the recipient of the Henderson Jaycees Farmer of the Year award. An active member of the community, Talmadge’s civic involvement included being a former member and officer of the Epsom Lion’s Club, a former member of the Epsom Volunteer Fire Department, a volunteer officer with Aycock Elementary School PTA, Henderson Middle School and Southern Vance High School Booster Clubs. He was also a member of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church where he was a former deacon, served on the House and Grounds Committee and was a member of the Baptist Men and Larry Johnson Sunday School Class. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at New Sandy Creek Baptist Church by Rev. Tim Burgess. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Michele Eaves Burgess of the home; his son, Justin Carter Burgess and wife, Mehegan, of Wilmington; his granddaughters, Virginia Parks and Lawson Eaves; his brother, Daryl Burgess and wife, Darline of Durham; his sister, Susan B. Hughes and husband, Lyn of Oxford; two brothers-in-law, Toleston Eaves, Jr. and wife, Judy of Henderson, and Michael Eaves and wife, Susan of Clinton; three nieces, Wendy Eaves Bendel and husband, Rob of Louisburg, Gina Eaves of Henderson and Audrey Eaves of Greenville; and three nephews, Bryan Hughes and wife, Kaylee and Nolan Hughes, all of Oxford and Alan O’Neal of Clinton. The family will receive friends following the service in the family life center of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church on Wednesday, and at other times at the home, 6876 NC Hwy 39 S, Henderson, NC 27537. In memory of Talmadge’s Eagle Scout achievement, memorials may be made to Eno River District, Occoneechee Council, Boy Scouts of America for the Vance County Youth Leadership Program, 3231 Atlantic Ave. Raleigh, NC 27604.