John Alwyn Burgess, age 79, of Opp, Alabama died Friday, November 2, 2018 at the home of his son, Bob Burgess. John was born on January 14, 1939 to his late parents, Alma L. Carson Burgess & Robert D. Burgess.

John won several awards for his writing talents during his time as editor and publisher of The Opp News. He enjoyed teaching his love of the outdoors to Boy Scouts by serving as Scout Master of Troop 25. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, making arrowheads, singing Hank Williams songs, and spending time with his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Burgess of Opp; sons, David Burgess & wife, Jeanne of Missouri, Bob Burgess of Opp, and Thomas Burgess & wife, Shannon of Missouri; daughter, Beverly Burgess of Ocala, Florida; grandchildren, Ty, Marissa, Savannah, Ali & Jace; and sister, Bobbie Goldstein of Virginia.

John continued his love of education in death by donating his body to the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 pm Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Opp. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Gary Daniel will be officiating.