Roger E. "Smokey" Burgess Jr., age 86, of Laceyville, PA passed away early Monday evening, November 8, 2021, at the Bradford County Manor, in Burlington, PA. He was born in Towanda, PA, on March 20, 1935 the son of the late Roger E. Burgess Sr., and Kathyrn H. Haas Burgess, both of who passed away on May 16, 1976 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Roger was a graduate of the Laceyville High School, with the class of 1953. After his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force. Roger made the Air Force his career, serving his country for over 22 years, retiring from the service in 1974. During that time he was stationed in Okinawa from 1965 until 1968. While Roger served in the U.S.A.F. he was a small arms marksmanship instructor, during which time he was a member of the U.S.A.F. shooting teams. Roger won 54 awards and trophies in both pistol and small-bore rifle competitions.

On December 25, 1954, he married the former Wilma R. Grose, to whom he was married to for 67 years.

After his retirement, Smokey, moved back to Laceyville, where he opened Burgess Gun Shop, on Lacey St. in Laceyville, PA. Smokey was very knowledgeable in gunsmithing and gun repairs. He was in business from 1974 until 2000.

Smokey was a member of the Rought Hall Post #510 American Legion, in Black Walnut, PA,  Tri-Co. Sportsmen's Club of Silvara, PA, and also the N.R.A., he also enjoyed the time that he got to spend with the Wounded Warriors at the Hunts for Healing in Laceyville, PA.  In his spare time he enjoyed trout fishing, at Stoney Brook in Forkston, PA. Smokey also enjoyed collecting Lionel trains and spending time with his family.

Surviving is his wife Wilma R. Grose of Laceyville, PA, his son, Roger E. (Karen) Burgess III, of Laceyville, PA, a step-daughter, Michele (Larry) Harden of Eugene, OR, and his brother Paul "PJ" Burgess, of Black Walnut, PA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday afternoon, November 16, 2021, at 2:00 PM at the Lacey St. Cemetery, in Laceyville, PA. Military services will be conducted by the members of the Rought Hall Post #510 American Legion, of Black Walnut, PA, the Dennis Strong Post #457 American Legion, of Tunkhannock, PA and the Endless Mountains V.F.W. Post #3583. Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, 459 Main St., Laceyville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donation to the Hunts for Healing, 3 Coburn Hill Rd., Laceyville, PA 18623.

The Burgess Family would like to thank the staff at the Towanda Memorial Hospital, the Robert Packer Hospital and the Bradford County Manor for the excellent care given to Roger.

Condolences may be left online at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com .