Clifton Cornelius Burgess Sr., 83, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Levine & Dickson-Southminster Hospice House in Charlotte, NC.Cliff was put under Comfort Care and transitioned to Hospice due to an ongoing fight with Kidney failure, Dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.

Life Story

Cliff was born on November 18, 1942, in Littleton, North Carolina, to the late William Burgess and Margaret Cheek. He graduated from McIver High School in Littleton, NC.

Cliff proudly served his country and was inducted into the Army at the age of 22 and served from 11/1964 to 11/1966, acquiring the rank of PFC in 8/1965.

He met the love of his life, Cheryl Marcus, and told her the first night that he was going to marry her. That union turned into 57 years of marriage.

After his tour in the Army, Cliff found work as a cook in several restaurants in NYC before landing at Beth Isreal Hospital where he worked in the Environmental Services. This became his career path when the family relocated from NYC to Charlotte, NC in August of 1977. He worked briefly with Krispy Kreme and drove the bus for the City of Charlotte before finding more stable footing at Charlotte Memorial Hospital (now called CMC Main). He then moved on to other hospitals such as Union Memorial, Huntersville Hospital, and Presbyterian Hospital where he retired in 2001 because he wanted to be a babysitter for his first grandchild, Corinne. He did not stay retired long, finding part-time work at the Carriage Club nursing home in Charlotte. Cliff believed that to make significant jumps in pay, one needed to build one's skillset and seek a position that matched those skills.

Cliff was an avid sports fan. He was a very good baseball player in his youth and was a fan of the Mets, telling stories of seeing them play in the Polo Grounds in the early 60’s. He was also a fan of the Boston Celtics until Charlotte got the Hornets, and a fan of the Washington Redskins until the Panthers came along. His true sports love, however, was NASCAR and the Earnhardt family (Dale Sr. and Dale Jr.). He would regularly attend the Charlotte races in May and October of each year.

Cliff was an active member of Greater Galilee Baptist Church. He was a deacon, sang on the Men’s Choir, was a Boy Scout Leader, and helped prepare food in the kitchen. He also did cater with Dwayne Haywood, Arthur, and Quince Sanders.

Family Acknowledgement

Cliff is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cheryl Burgess, his only son, Clifton Cornelius Burgess II (Buster), and his wife Leslie. He is also survived by his sister, Musie Davis, his grandchildren: Corinne Margaret Burgess and Noelle McCray Burgess, and his great-grandson: Amadi Johnson, along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Burgess and Margaret Cheek, and his siblings: Ethel Odem, William Burgess Jr, Fred Burgess, King Burgess, Emily Jones, De Arthur Burgess, Hattie Burgess, and Willie Burgess.