Kermit Burgess, 98 a long time resident of Pensacola, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 30, 2009 to join with his wife Erdis Shell Burgess who preceded him by 2 ½ years, his parents, Truman and Mary Burgess and twelve brothers and sisters. He retired from the L&N Railroad in 1976 as a Conductor and enjoyed many years of gardening, fishing, hunting and cooking his specialties. He was well known for his delicious tomatoes and generosity for sharing. Most of all he would want to be remembered as a long time faithful member of East Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon in his younger years. The last nine months of his life was spent at The Haven of Our Lady of Peace where he was treated with kindness, dignity, good care and love. Born in Clay County, AL the son of a Baptist preacher, the family moved around until finally settling in Jay, FL where he met and married Erdis Shell Burgess. They are survived by their three children, Franshel Watkins Bass (Kenneth), Dale Burgess (Ann), Steve Burgess (Vicki) and eight grandchildren, Lea Goodsell, Joel Watkins (Woody), Tobi Waters (Richard), Laura Lewis (Jeff), Nikki McEneaney, Shawn Burgess (Kirsten), David Burgess (Amber), Lauren Sherrill (Jimmie). They also have thirteen great-grandchildren, Kasey Goodsell, Nathan Wells (Ashley), Taylor Wells, Hunter Wells, Chandler Wells, Benjamin Lewis, Katherine Lewis, Lila Dale Burgess, Ford Burgess, Bentley Watkins, Houston Floyd, Tristan and Asher McEneaney. His sister, Vara Burgess Parks (Julius) is his sole remaining sibling. He is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Ailene Burgess and Fannie Shell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. The family will receive friends and family at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. The Reverend Rick Spencer will conduct the service. Interment will be at Cora Baptist Church in Jay, FL with his nephew, Matthew Dobson conducting the graveside service. A time of fellowship will fellow at the home of niece, Maxine Ivey in Jay, FL. All are invited to attend. Kermit enjoyed a long and happy life and outlived most of his friends and many of his relatives. We will miss him, but know he is in a Better Place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to: East Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 3960 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504 or the Pensacola Humane Society. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.