More detail on this person: W4 Ronald E. Burgess (Ret.) went home to his heavenly family on September 1, 2021 with his wife by his side. Ronald was born September 28, 1950 in Princeton, WV then grew up in Norfolk where he graduated from Norview High School in 1968 where he got the nickname "Smokey". He joined the Army in 1971, became a helicopter pilot until retirement in 1996. Ronald did one tour in Vietnam (72, 73) as a Cobra pilot. Then phased in as an Apache pilot, becoming a top instructor while stationed in Enterprise, AL and Fort Bragg, NC. After retirement, Ronald resided in Woodbridge, VA. While stationed in Enterprise, AL, Ron became a trained volunteer paramedic and credited for 12 births. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans where he served helping many veterans receive their benefits. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Ronald was preceded in death by his father Jack Burgess, his mother Nell Pankey and sister Alice Burgess. Ron leaves behind his wife, Linda (Thomas), son Michael, daughter Michelle, brother Steve Burgess, as well as 5 grandchildren, an uncle, a niece and nephews, cousins and a loving extended family of friends, aviators and dedicated military personnel. He now gets to do what he always loved, to fly. The family will receive friends Friday September 10 from 5:00 to 9:00 and a ceremony will be held on Saturday September 11 at 2:00. Both will be held at Mountcastle Funeral Home in Occoquan, VA. Burial will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetary.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 11/20/2021
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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
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