Rev. Phillip "Phil" Landers Burgess, age 71, of Toccoa, entered into the presence of his Lord Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his home.

Born May 7, 1954 in Toccoa, he was the son of the late Rev. Lester Robert and Evelyn Christine Kellar Burgess.

Rev. Burgess was a member of Collins Road Baptist Church, where he pastored for 13 years.  He had served with the Gideons International, participated in many mission trips with multiple organizations, and most recently was heavily involved with Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief.  He along with his father owned and operated Big A Trim Shop for a number of years, then worked as facilities manager at Shadowbrook Baptist Church in Suwanee.  He was a private pilot, so he loved anything to do with wings.  He enjoyed outdoor activities, including camping, grilling and spending time around campfires with family and friends, but most of all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

Family members include his wife of 53 years, Jimmie Brown Burgess, of Toccoa; daughter, Alicia Arnold, of Toccoa; son, John Burgess (Tonya), of Eastanollee; grandchildren, Kristina Belt (Jonathan), Rachel Arnold, Garrett Burgess and Nathan Burgess; great-grandson, Benjamin Belt; sister, DeJuan Martin (Ken); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Shelton.

The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 1pm – 2:45pm Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at three o'clock Sunday, March 15, 2026 from the Chapel of Whitlock Mortuary with the Rev. Buddy Lamb, the Rev. Jack Segars and the Rev. Ken Martin officiating.

The family will have a private burial at Roselane Cemetery.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers:  John Burgess, Garrett Burgess, Nathan Burgess, Kenny Manheim, Jonathan Belt and Robert McCullough.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Jim Wade and staff, Amedisys Hospice and family and friends for love and care shown to Phil the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, c/o Stephens County Gideons, P. O. Box 663, Toccoa, GA  30577.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net.

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Rev. Phillip "Phil" Landers Burgess.