Bill Burgess Obituary: The football community is mourning the loss of a true legend as news broke of the passing of Coach Bill Burgess, a coaching maestro who left an indelible mark on Jacksonville State University’s (JSU) football program. Burgess, aged 82, departed early Wednesday morning, leaving behind a legacy that spans over a decade of coaching excellence.
Bill Burgess Obituary
Bill Burgess served as the head coach for the Gamecocks for an impressive 12 seasons from 1985 to 1996. During his tenure, he not only elevated the team’s status but also shaped it into one of the premier Division II programs in the nation. His influence was profound, and his commitment to the sport was unparalleled.
“Coach Burgess launched JSU to national recognition in football and was one of the best at building young men into the great husbands, fathers, and community members that they are today,” remarked Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth. The impact Burgess had on his players’ lives extended far beyond the football field.
Bill Burgess Death News
Burgess’s coaching prowess was reflected in his remarkable achievements, including an overall record of 84-49-4, four conference titles, and the crowning glory of the 1992 NCAA Division II National Championship. His remarkable coaching journey earned him a well-deserved place in several prestigious halls of fame.
“His induction into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame in 2023 was a fitting tribute to a coaching career that left an indelible mark on the football landscape,” shared an official statement from JSU. Before this honor, Burgess had been inducted into the Jacksonville State Athletics Hall of Fame, the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the NCAA Division II Football Hall of Fame.
Bill Burgess Cause of Death
Greg Seitz, Jax State Athletics Director, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Coach Burgess. “He was one of the best coaches to ever stand on a sideline and had as much of an impact on his players as any coach I’ve ever met,” Seitz stated. Burgess’s coaching career was not only defined by victories but also by the profound influence he had on the lives of those he coached.
“He had a tremendous career, but he was an even better man that left a lasting impression on anyone who had the honor of knowing him,” Seitz added. The condolences extended to Burgess’s family, including his wife Geynell, his children, and the larger Gamecock Football family.
Eight out of Burgess’s 12 seasons at JSU were spent in the Gulf South Conference (GSC). His leadership led the Gamecocks to conference titles in 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1992. These victories were instrumental in solidifying JSU’s reputation before the move to Division I.
Burgess’s exceptional record included a 79-22-4 overall mark during his GSC years, with a formidable 42-15-3 conference record in GSC play. His coaching acumen was acknowledged with three GSC Coach of the Year awards and the prestigious title of the 1992 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year.
As the football world mourns the loss of Coach Bill Burgess, the echoes of his coaching legacy will undoubtedly resonate through the hallowed grounds of JSU’s football field that bears his name. His impact on the sport and the lives of those he touched will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
In the words of Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth, “He will surely be missed, and all of the Burgess family and Gamecock Football family are in our prayers.” Coach Bill Burgess’s departure leaves a void that will be felt by the entire sports community, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and coaches to come.
