Wayne Douglas Burgess

Wayne Douglas Burgess, 79 of Marianna, Florida, died Friday, July 25, 2025, at his home.

Wayne was born in Syracuse, NY on April 4, 1946, to Harper and Eunice Burgess. He was always ready for an adventure in the outdoors or education, having received degrees in Forestry and Chemistry, as well as his MBA. He also served in the US Army, both stateside and in Germany. After his time in the service, he started his career with General Electric.

In 1976, he moved from New York to Central Florida, and worked for Lockheed Martin as a Quality Engineer until his retirement. As hard as Wayne worked, he played and traveled. He loved to camp and spend time outdoors. When he wasn’t working, he was getting the most out of life. From hiking the Grand Canyon, to felling his own trees, he was always taking on a new adventure. In 2004, he married the love of his life, Susan, and they continued to explore the outdoors together. Together, they continued to enjoy festivals and old westerns. In 2008, he and Susan moved to Marianna for their retirement years. Although he was no longer clocking in and out every day, he didn’t slow down. Wayne's passion for life was contagious, and he was always finding the next project or adventure, typically outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harper William and Eunice Balch Burgess; two sisters, Patricia England and Virginia Breh; and aunt, Beverly Burgess.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Lynne Burgess; stepchildren, Cindy Lee Buxton, Michael Wayne Buxton, Christina Lynne Willis (Henry); grandson, Matthew Willis; sisters-in-law, Billie Marie King (John), Wilma Jean Mulvey (Ed), Sheila Cole (John); and niece, Teri Lee Graham (Keith).

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, August 4, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. Visitation will take place an hour prior to the funeral at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.

Wayne will be laid to rest in the family plot in North Syracuse Cemetery, Syracuse, NY at 11 AM (EST), Friday, August 8, 2025.