LUMBERTON, N.J.  — Carlton Leon Burgess quietly departed this earthly life on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.

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He was born Dec. 19, 1947, in Halifax County in Hollister, to the late Elliott and Velma Burgess. He grew up in a home atmosphere, typified by closeness to his family, discipline, truthfulness and hard work. His formal education was received in the public school system of Halifax County, and he graduated from the former Eastman High School in Enfield  with the class of 1966. He then relocated to Washington, D.C., and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. He served his country for 27 years and fought in the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. After returning from his first tour of duty with the Army in 1970, he was employed by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and retired in 1998, because of injuries received during Desert Storm.

On Dec. 23, 1967, he was united in marriage to the former Carolyn Medlin. They resided in New York and later moved to New Jersey. Through their union of love and devotion, two children were born, with a third child being later added to the family.

During his early life, he became a member of Pine Chapel Baptist Church in Hollister, where he continued his spiritual growth by working and serving others in the community until God called him home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Arcelia Williams.

Those left to cherish the memory of his life are his loving wife, Carolyn Burgess of Lumberton; two daughters, Lisa Burgess Brooks of Lumberton and Betty Scott of Palm Bay, Fla.; one son, Derek Burgess of Bordentown, N.J.; five grandchildren, Brandon Brooks, Anthony Brooks, Kyndall Brooks, Alexis Weathers and James Weathers; three brothers and three sisters-in-law, James Burgess (Anne), Robert McCal Burgess (Martha) and Melvin Burgess (Vonnie); his favorite aunt, Lou, whom he cherished; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The body will repose until 8:30 p.m., today, Oct. 8, at Robinson Funeral Home in Littleton, which is handling the arrangements.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 9, at Pine Chapel Baptist Church in Hollister, with the Rev. Robert G. Hedgepeth, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Lynch Family Cemetery in Hollister. The body will also repose one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.robinsonfuneralhomenc.com.