Douglas Richard Burgess

Douglas Richard Burgess, 86, of Niceville, FL passed away January 16, 2026 at The Opal assisted living facility. As a youngster, Doug enjoyed such things as being able to fish and hunt and play all sorts of sports. In high school, his sports activities culminated in being awarded a full scholarship to play football at Arkansas State College (now University). While at A-State he joined the Army ROTC program and upon graduating was commissioned a 2nd Lt. of Armor. Also, while at A-State, he met and married his lifetime sweetheart and partner Virginia (Jenny) Henderson; the best decision he ever made. He and Jenny were blessed with two children, Doug Jr. and Sandra Kay.

Doug and Jenny’s 28-year career in the US Army included Doug’s promotion to Colonel. Doug’s two favorite assignments were as a tank battalion commander at Fort Carson, CO and as the TRADOC Systems Manager (TSM) for tanks and Ft. Knox, KY. While stationed at Fort Carson, Doug also attained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Doug retired from the US Army in August of 1989. Following retirement from the Army, Doug and Jenny spent twelve years in the defense industry which were highlighted by six and a half years located in the Middle East divided between Saudi Arabia (4 ¼) and Kuwait (2 ¼). Doug was the Program Manager in Saudi Arabia where the M1A2 tank was fielded to their Armor Corps. From Saudi Arabia they moved directly to Kuwait where Doug was the Managing Director of Kuwait Dynamics Limited, a joint venter company. While running the company he again oversaw the fielding of the M1A2 tank to the Kuwait Armor Corps. Following the return from Kuwait, Doug was the Business Manager for General Dynamics Land Systems Customer Service and Support Company located in Sterling Heights, MI.

Following retirement from General Dynamics in 2001, Doug and Jenny settled in Bluewater Bay Florida where they lived, loved, played and participated in volunteer work. Doug was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years. He is survived by his children, Doug Burgess (LouAnn) and Sandy Simms (John); grandchildren Douglas Burgess III, Alyssa Gustafson (Robert), Kristin Burgess (Porter), Anna Simms, Jack Simms; and great-grandchildren Cameron Gustafson and Rose Gustafson. Doug always believed that he had lived a great life and he is now complete again with his beloved Jenny.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to American Heart Association in Doug's honor.

Doug will be forever missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, and may we find comfort in the precious memories we hold dear.