Vance Wayne Burgess, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. He was born August 26, 1938 to the late Kermit and Ruth Burgess in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Mac and his son, Donald.

Vance is survived by his wife, of 49 years, Betty Lucas Burgess, one daughter, Sheryl and husband Cliff Hartsfield of Port Republic, MD, one brother Curtis and wife Martha of Guy, AR. Vance is also survived by his three grandchildren, Alex Wayne, Benjamin Owen and Olivia Brooke.

Vance graduated from Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville, AR in 1956, joined the Army in 1958 served 4 years and 27 days. He received an honorable discharge in March 1962; he served in Korea, Ft. Belvoir, VA and Ft Lewis WA. Vance enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapshooting. He won many awards and trophies for his trapshooting skills. He enjoyed trips to Montana, Wyoming and Canada where he hunted and fished.

Vance was a dock man for various freight companies. He was employed by the Teamsters 639 Union for 27 years in the Metropolitan area. He received many recognitions and awards for being a diligent worker and moving the most freight. He retired in 1995. He and his wife, Betty, moved to St. Mary's County in 2006.

At his request Vance was cremated. Upon moving to St. Mary's County five years ago, Vance attended church regularly at Southern Calvert Baptist Church. There will be a Celebration of Vance's life on October 1st at Southern Calvert Baptist Church in Lusby, MD at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of St Mary's County, PO Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Local arrangements were provided by the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., Lusby, MD.