Peachland – Mr. Zaphia "Zeke" Cletius Burgess, Jr., 89, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.  Born September 6, 1936, in Stanly County, NC, he was a son of the late Zaphia Cletius Burgess, Sr. and Susie Brooks Burgess Mills. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Libby Burgess, sons, Randy, Scotty and Stacey Burgess; siblings, Bobby Burgess and Brenda Mills Holmes.

He loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved his family and spending time with them.  He was a faithful member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for over 57 years. He loved to witness to others by playing his guitar and singing with his wife, Libby and son, Wayne. He was a carpenter and loved building cabinets and many other things for his family. He loved to eat ice cream.

A funeral service to celebrate the life Zeke will be 2 PM Saturday, October 11, 2025, from Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Horne Family cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 on Saturday in the church fellowship building.

Those left to cherish his memory include sons, Wayne Burgess, Jerry Burgess (Angela) and Terry Burgess (Ginger); grandchildren, Joy Bliss (Bronson), Jonathan Burgess (Duffi), Glenn Burgess (Brandy), Cheryl Batykefer (John), Crystal Cooke (Rick), Jessica Burgess, Todd Burgess (Jennifer) and Randy Burgess (Jess); 12 great grandchildren; brother, Ted Mills (Debbie); numerous nieces and nephews.

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Burgess during their loss.