Jerry Wayne Burge
On Saturday morning, June 7, 2025, our family last one of the good guys. Surrounded by his family and friends he peacefully passed into his heavenly home, reuniting with his parents and sister.
Jerry Wayne Burge, 75, of Bassett, Virginia was born January 25, 1950, in Patrick County to the late Walter and Alice Hall Burge. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Burge England.
Jerry followed in the tradition of his late father by joining his local Ruritan club to do volunteer work for his community. He volunteered his time at Oak Level Ruritan Club where he was the presiding club President. He always did for others and will forever be remembered for his kindness and unselfish acts.
Jerry graduated from Drewery Mason High School in 1968. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War receiving numerous awards. Returning home, he began his career at Bassett Furniture Industries where he spent fifty-two years before retiring last June 2024. During his employment and after, Jerry traveled far and wide meeting new people and creating lasting friendships. He also served as an active member of Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Collinsville, Virginia.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra Whitlow Burge, his brother-in-law John England of Rockport, Maine and his niece Suzanne Brook England of Arlington, Virginia.
He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Patricia W. (Michael) Ashworth, Judy Whitlow Smith and Dewey E. Whitlow, Jr.
Although Jerry and Debra had no children of their own, they were abundantly blessed with nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews they spoiled and loved as their own; Andrea R. Amos (Mike), Adam Roop (Alicia), Christopher Ashworth, Lisa A. Seward (Slade), Susan A. Manley (Jon), Benjamin Scott Smith (Jessica), Jessica S. Hartsock (Jonathan), Jennifer S. Meeks (Anthony), Robbie D. Whitlow (Tori), Haley M. Whitlow, Heather J. Whitlow, Andrew Seward, Abigail Seward, Kayleigh Manley, Keri Manley, Benjamin J. Smith, Emma Scarlett Hartsock, Zane Whitlow, Aubrey Whitlow, Kaden Pruett and Parker Roop.
Jerry is also survived by his best friend and partner in crime, Darryle Shively.
Services will include visitation on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Drive, Bassett Virginia, 24055. The funeral will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Drive, Bassett Virginia, 24055. The burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park at 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville. Other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Judy Whitlow Smith, 530 Applegate Lane, Bassett Va.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to SOVAH Health Martinsville Emergency Department along with Dr. Clem, Carilion Air Support, Carilion Roanoke Memorial and the staff of Mountain ICU for their care given to Jerry and his loved ones during his short illness.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request memorials be made to the Jerry Burge Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Debra Burge, 520 Applegate Lane, Bassett, Va. 24055.
Collins Funeral Home, Bassett, Va. is serving the family.
To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com
