Bill Gene Burge

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 N. Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
Friday, December 28, 2018
6:00 to 8:00 PM
Cemetery
Compton Cemetery
Compton, AR  
Memorial Contributions
Mary Mother of God Catholic Church
1614 Maplewood Road
Harrison, AR  72601


American Cancer Society
901 N. University
Little Rock, AR  72207
Bill Gene Burge

of Harrison, AR

January 9, 1947 - December 24, 2018

Bill Gene Burge, age 71, of Harrison, was born in Harrison January 9, 1947, died Monday, December 24, 2018. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lex and Hester (McFerrin) Burge.

Bill is survived by his wife, whom he married June 3, 1967, Betty Burge; his son and daughter-in-law, Stacy and Laura (Massey) Burge; his grandchildren, of whom he believed in spoiling, Ty Gene Burge, Jaker Burge, Bo Burge and Pandy Burge; his twin sister; Barbara Burge Robinson; and several nephews.

Bill was a member of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church and was a strong believer in his Faith. He was a lifelong math teacher, coach and farmer. On November 2, 2018, his Lady Goblins won the 10th state Cross Country title for Harrison. Bills athletes had won approximately 35 state Track and Cross Country rings for the Harrison Golden Goblins. Bill loved his ''kids/girls'' and if you knew him at all, you would know that any successes he had were attributed to the Lady Goblins. As for the ''farmer'' side, he would always tell you he had new and used cows for sale!

Visitation was Friday, December 28, 2018, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Funeral mass was private.

Interment was in Compton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, 1614 Maplewood Road, Harrison, AR 72601 or the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72207.

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30 Condolence(s)
Chuck Smith
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, January 2, 2019

You were one of the best teachers anyone could ask for. You always inspired us to be great and not give up. The world is a lesser place without you in it,. Was always nice to run into you and catch up how things have been... Will miss seeing that little flatbed truck knowing who it was :) Prayers to your family

Mindy Harmon
Lead Hill, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 29, 2018

Mr. Burge was a great man. The staff and students at Lead Hill will miss him dearly. We are sorry for loss. This below is a Facebook post for my daughter's page. She loved Mr. Burge.

Where to began...

Mr. Burge you will forever be my favorite. I remember the first time I had to go into your class and how scared I was because everyone told us about how you yelled and that was in 8th grade. Freshmen year happened so fast and I still didn’t talk much and you couldn’t remember anyone’s name so you gave us all nicknames. Mine was Britster and I loved it. Freshmen year everyone complained about you teaching us because we never really had to try before. I remember hating math at the beginning but now it’s my favorite subject. Sophomore year I was told I got to have you again because you selected a few freshmen to take 2 math classes in one year. I couldn’t believe I was one of the ones you chose. I was in changer of being the “time girl” I told you when it was the end of class because you got so excited about math you couldn’t stop when you started. I loved every minute of it. This year.. my junior year.. has been hard for all of us. I remember you being mad when I wouldn’t come to class because of school functions but you never held it against me. Thank you for teaching me everything I know and pushing me to try my hardest

As his favorite quote was “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t force it to drink”
You taught us so much and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

RIP. Mr. Burge you will be missed❤️

John D Graham
Kansas City, MO
Liked
Saturday, December 29, 2018

Prayers to the Burge family and God bless. When I heard of his passing, it struck me how I never got to see him again. For 8+ summers, I would come back to work at White Water in Branson...and like clockwork, Bill would be there waiting on us. I took for granted I would see him again someday, so now it will have to be in Heaven. You were a great guy, a mentor and friend to young men like myself in a developing stage of life. Love you Bill!

Karen Kerr
Gravette, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 29, 2018

Coach Burge, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If I can do any please let me know..
Karen (Doc) Kerr

Evelyn C Mills
Harrison, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 29, 2018

Betty, Stacy and family-- Sending you prayers and heartfelt sympathies in Bill's passing. What a great guy, great life, and such an amazing influence on so many young lives!!! I had planned to attend the visitation last night. My 5-member family from CA moved from their cabin at BOC to my house yesterday afternoon and I totally got sidetracked with all the excitement and manicness (if that's a word)! He will be missed! What a blessing, great husband, father and granddad and friend he was!!! Love you all!

Amy Raver
Harrison, AR
Liked
Friday, December 28, 2018

My sincerest condolences,sweet Burge family. May you all find comfort in the Lord.

Sara Jech
Harrison, AR
Liked
Friday, December 28, 2018

I am so so sorry for your loss Betty. My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family !

Mike Mallett
Harrison, AR
Liked
Friday, December 28, 2018

Our condolences to the family. Bill has been a friend for many years. Betty you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom Reed
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Friday, December 28, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Martha Wilson
Batesville, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Your family remains in my thoughts and prayers.

Darryl Villines
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

So sorry for your loss

Matt Zimmerman
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

Prayers for his family and good friends during this most difficult time. May he rest in peace and love.

Brenda (Brisco) Lee
Delight,, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts are with you as you go thru this difficult time.

Sonny and Kathy Parker
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

Blessings to the family. No words can convey the sympathy for this time. Prayers to all.

Jeff & Paulette Jech
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He has been a friend of my family longer than I can remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Ben Thompson
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

Rest in peace my old friend!

SMouton
, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

To the Family, There are no words powerful enough to express sorrow for your loss. May the many hugs, prayers and caring thoughts comfort you. May the resurrection hope our loving father promises (John 5:28-29) bring you peace this day and the days ahead.

Sam & Mary Cecil
Harrison, AR
Liked
Thursday, December 27, 2018

Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.

Mike Brown
Nixa, MO
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Bill... The stories and things he could tell. Such an awesome teacher and a masterful motivator. I owe a lot of who I am today to you. I can not thank you enough. God Bless my friend

Mike Brown - “Brownie”, “Brownstone”

David, Tammye, & Katie Stahler
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Bet, Stacey & Family - We are sorry for your loss. Mr. Bill was a great coach, teacher and friend. We have fond memories of him working with Katie in track, our math talks, and good friendship. May God hold you in His loving arms and comfort you with His loving grace. God's blessings and our love.

John and Debbie Berry
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Betty, we were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers as you go thru this difficult time.

Dena
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Mr. Burge was my math teacher. I had an extremely hard time learning math. He helped me in his free period,when all his colleagues were having coffee and relaxing.
Mr. Burge said I mattered.
He was the best teacher I have ever had.
I'll never forget him.

Jack and Pj Reynolds
Springfield, MO
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our family thought the world of Bill. May God bless you and your family in this time.

Courtney Loder Farmer
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Praying for all friends and family and all the students that had him as a teacher or coach...he will dearly missed by all!!

Diana Rice
Monte Vista, CO
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Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Betty, I'm so sorry. Sending hugs and love, Fro.

Doug and Trudie Young
Harrison, AR
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Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Bill has had such a huge influence for our children and Doug and I. My family loved him dearly. My middle daughter once said he was her best friend, but all three of my children thought that he was simply the best ever. Doug and I couldn't agree more. Friend, Coach or mentor, he always gave from the heart. We will miss him and remember him always. Prayers for his family.

Jay Phillips
West Palm Beach, FL
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Betty and Stacey, I am very sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Bill - from road biking to lifeguarding to running with him all those summers when I was in high school. He was always upbeat and funny, and loved life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy White
Valley Springs, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Dear Betty and Family, so sorry to hear of Bill's death. I have so many memories of Bill and his teams. He lived his life to the fullest. God bless all of you as you, too, recall his wonderful career and very blessed life.

LeeAnna Richardson
Russellville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

I have known Bill since high school. Was a great guy. Barbara I am so sorry for your loss . Glad I got to see him last week.

Linda and Paul Mathis
Harrison, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Paul and I are so sorry for your loss. We always thought so much of Bill and all of you . You are in our prayers and sending hugs and love.