Dr. William Bryan "Billy" Burge, 62, of Belzoni, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Billy was born January 29, 1959, in Mobile, Alabama, to William Grey Burge and Betty Ruth Brunson Burge. He spent his younger life in Thomasville, Alabama. After the death of his parents at an early age, Billy and his two sisters moved to Mobile to live with their aunt and uncle, Herron and Betty Brunson. He attended John Shaw High School, where he lettered in baseball and football. He also held the Alabama High School record for fastest 100-yard dash. After high school, he attended Mississippi Delta Community College where he also lettered in baseball and football. Billy completed his BS degree at Athens State University in Athens, Alabama and then went on to complete his master's degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He completed his doctoral degree at International Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Florida.

Bro. Billy became licensed to ministry at Orchard Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, and became ordained at Sunny South Baptist Church in Sunny South, Alabama. In October 1980, Billy married the love of his life, Cindy Hall Burge, and together they served God through ministry and pastored churches in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and North Carolina. During his 41 years in the ministry, he had 8 men surrender to preach and baptized over 500 new Christians. He dedicated his life to trying to turn people to Christ. Bro. Billy was currently serving as pastor at Eastside Baptist Church in Belzoni for the last 13 years.

Billy is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy Hall Burge of Belzoni; three children, Rev. Bryan (Chelsea) Burge of LaFollette, Tennessee, Brandon (Jewel) Burge of Oxford, and Beth (Allen) Roberts of Belzoni; four grandchildren, Hannah, Thomas, Daniel, and Grey; two sisters, Paula (Chuck) Keith of Mobile, Alabama and Sandra (Scooter) Williams of Thomasville, Alabama; special aunt, Bardee (Ed) Davidson of Fairhope, Alabama; father-in-law, Orvil (Marilyn) Hall of Decatur, Alabama; and six special nieces and nephews.

The body will lie in state at Eastside Baptist Church for viewing Monday, June 21, 2021, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. The memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, June 21, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Belzoni with Rev. Bryan Burge and Rev. Jimmy McLendon officiating. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastside Baptist Church, 808 Virginia Street, Belzoni, MS 39038.