Reverend Ronald Wistar Burgess

Obituary for Rev. Ronald Wistar Burgess

Ronald Wistar Burgess, 81, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2022.

On January 13, 1941, Ronald was born to Reverend John Acie Burgess and Ruby Viers Burgess in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Burgess of Pembroke Pines, Florida; son, John Burgess of Cleveland, Ohio; son David Burgess and his wife Lilly of Richmond, Virginia; daughter, Cindy Burgess-Amireh and husband Isam “Sam” Amireh of Cooper City, Florida; grandson; Tony Burgess stationed in Alaska;  granddaughter Hana Amireh of Cooper City, Florida, his three siblings, Malcolm Burgess and his wife Merl and children of Yorktown, VA, Enid Burgess of Los Alamos, NM, and Rev. Mark Burgess and his wife Ruth and children of Williamsburg, VA.

Upon completing his bachelor’s degree and divinity school at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, TX., he was commissioned as a United States Army chaplain. He served on active duty for seven years in Texas, California, and Germany, including two tours of duty in South Vietnam. In addition, Rev. Burgess served 31 years as a pastor following active duty, including ministry with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and the United Methodist Church within the Holston Conference. While serving as a pastor, he also continued to serve for another 18 years as an Army Reserve Chaplain and National Guard Chaplain in Virginia until he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Rev. Burgess led a bible study for ten years in retirement with Plantation United Methodist Church. For ten years, he also served as the chaplain for the Broward County Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America.

While working in Hereford, TX, he met Mary Jiménez, daughter of Matilde and Victoriana Jiménez of Taft, TX. They had 58 years of marriage and service in churches together. The unselfish, unconditional, loving, and warm support of Mary has been key to Ronald’s ministry. She has fully served right along with him.

Ronald loved watching football, particularly his college team of TCU (Horned Frogs). He also indulged in reading books.

He loved fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that Ronald is now with the lord at peace, surrounded by everlasting light.

A viewing will be held at Plantation United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Marta Burke officiating. Interment will follow at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL, later. To follow the celebration of life service live follow this link https://www.plantationumc.org/liveworship