Ernest "Ernie" Burgess III

Ernest “Ernie” Floyd Burgess III, 58, died August 18, 2025 at home with his wife by his side.

Ernie was born on March 24, 1967, in Midland, Michigan, to Ernest and Kerry Burgess (Hager).

Ernie died one day after his clean date, having achieved 19 years free from drugs and alcohol. He worked for several years in substance abuse treatment in Traverse City and Midland, where he was an inspiration and guiding light for many who were taking their first steps on the road to recovery.

Ernie loved hiking, collecting rocks and most recently gardening. He was a supervisor in the gardening center at Lowes and would often bring home plants and flowers for our own garden. He especially liked the ones that were nearly dead and needed a lot of TLC.

He was also a handyman and could fix anything, but really liked an automotive challenge. His motto was "Why pay a mechanic when you can do it yourself?"

He was well-loved and when he got sick friends, coworkers and neighbors took care of the fall leaves and winter snow, as well as giving him the occasional haircut.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Patti Burgess (Mann); daughter, Kaitlyn Park; step-sons, James (Amy) Mann, Nicholas Brandt, and Joseph Brandt; sister, Kimberly "Kym" Burgess; brother, Brian Burgess; parents, Ernest Burgess, Jr. and Kerry Burgess (Hager); grandkids, Avalon, Sebastian, Amelia, Audrey, Zackory, Abigail, Anastasia, Lucy, Elliott, Derrick, and Hunter; several other family members.

He is preceded in death by his son, Taylor Burgess.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cherryland Humane Society or Addiction Treatment Services (ATS). An informal visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm, Friday, September 12, 2025, at Life Story Funeral Home.

Sharing of memories will start at 6pm.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.