A caring and charismatic husband, father, grandfather and friend, William T. (“Tully”) Burgess passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Oct. 12, 2023, at 83 years old in Raleigh, N.C.

He was born to Frances Tully and William Dighton Burgess on August 3, 1940, in Monticello, Illinois. Tully enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961 and was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he served for three years as a private first class.

Following his time with the army, he earned a Bachelor of Science (1966) and Master of Business Administration (1967) from the University of Colorado at Boulder. While attending CU- Boulder, Tully met his wife, Barbara (“Bobbie”). Together, they had two sons: Jeffrey (“Jeff”) and Christopher (“Chris”). Tully went on to work as a sales executive with Corning Glass Works (now known as Corning Inc.) in both Corning, New York, and New York City. He spent the remainder of his career working with BW Painter Inc. and as president of the Great Lakes Kentucky Fried Chicken Association in Columbus, Ohio.

A proud member of Pinehurst Country Club and the Tin Whistles society, Tully loved the game of golf. He spent more than thirty years as a rules official for numerous amateur and professional golf tournaments across the USGA, PGA and Carolinas Golf Association (CGA). He was instrumental in forming the North/South Junior golf championship and played key roles in facilitating the North/South men’s and women’s, senior and amateur golf tournaments, among others. He was also a well-known figure around the village of Pinehurst, from the Post Office to the dry cleaner, with a joke always at the ready.

An avid fisherman (with a preference toward trophy largemouth bass), chocolate aficionado, world traveler and fan of all things salty and savory, Tully loved watching and talking sports with any and everyone, especially if the Chicago Cubs or Colorado Buffaloes were involved. Tully was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). For more than three decades, he was a passionate advocate for the AA program and mentored hundreds throughout the Southeast during his lifetime.

Tully was predeceased in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Bobbie. He is survived by his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Shari; his son Chris; and his two grandchildren, Peyton and Zachary; all of Raleigh, N.C. He is also survived by his two younger brothers: James (“Jim”) Burgess and wife Louise of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, and Louis (“Lou”) Burgess of Scottsdale, Arizona. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Per his wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First
Tee of the Sandhills in Tully’s name.