Thomas E Burgess

December 30, 1949 - May 9, 2012

Thomas Earl Burgess, 62, passed from this earth to his Heavenly home Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Christian Care Center in Shelbyville, TN. Tom was born December 30, 1949 at Bedford County Hospital in Shelbyville. Raised in Lynchburg, Moore County, he was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Kathleen Haslett Burgess and stepmother Marie Couch Burgess. Once a songwriter and pianist for the 1970s gospel quartet The Royals, Tom was retired from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he served as pianist for the adult and children's chapels for 25 years. He is survived by one son, M. Cory Burgess of Tullahoma; an ex-wife, Beverly A. Byrom Burgess of Tullahoma; a sister, Joan (Randy) Burgess Faulk of Shelbyville; two nieces and two nephews. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 16 at Vanderbilt University Hospital's Rhea Chapel at 4 p.m. (visitation with the family begins at 3 p.m.) with Chaplain Raye Nell Dyer (Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt) and Russ Corley (Encouragement Ministries) officiating. A selection of Tom's favorite music will be featured. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and is in charge of all arrangements. The family would like to thank Alive Hospice and Christian Care Center of Bedford County for their continued care and support during Tom's final months. You may send condolences to the family at the top of this page.