Horace Odell Burgess, Jr.

Horace Odell “Dell” Burgess Jr., 66, of Parks Lafferty Road, Concord, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 1, 1959 in Mecklenburg County, Dell was the son of the late Horace Odell Burgess Sr. and Barbara Burgess Ray. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Tammy Esquivel Burgess, with whom he shared many wonderful years and countless memories. In recent years, he was blessed to find love again with Kathy Kiwacka, who brought renewed joy, warmth and laughter into his life.

He is survived by his two sons: Joshua Burgess and wife, Jeannie, of Mount Pleasant, and Adam Burgess and wife, Laura, of Concord. He also leaves behind his siblings: Patti Burgess of Marshville, Wayne Burgess and wife, Robin, of Concord, and Lori Burgess Bobbitt and husband, Tim, of Concord. Dell was a proud and loving grandfather to Rachael, Desmond, Grayson, and Landon, and a special uncle to his beloved nephews and nieces.

Dell had a deep love for music and was an amazing musician. Whether he was playing it, listening to it, or sharing it with others, music was always part of his world. Even more enduring was his love for Jesus. Dell’s faith guided his life, gave him strength during difficult times, and filled him with a peace that was evident to all who knew him.

To know Dell was to love him. He wore many titles - son, husband, father, brother, neighbor, musician, master storyteller - but above all, he was a friend in the truest sense of the word. His eyes always sparkled with wit and quiet wisdom, and his presence alone could lift your spirits.

Dell was genuinely funny - the kind of funny that could light up a room and make you laugh even when you didn’t feel like it. People were drawn to him because he had that rare gift of making everyone feel welcome, seen, and loved. If you ever met Dell, you remembered him. He made life better simply by being himself.

His legacy lives on in the music he loved, the stories he told, the faith he lived by, and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at Green Gables Farms - 2173 Wilkesboro Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625. The family will begin receiving guests at 5pm with a service to follow. A Celebration of Life event will be held at a later date.

“Live Forever”

I'm gonna live forever

I'm gonna cross that river

I'm gonna catch tomorrow now

You're gonna want to hold me

Just like I always told you

You're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Nobody here will ever find me

But I will always be around

Just like the songs I leave behind me

I'm gonna live forever now