Billy "Bill" Fletcher Burgess was born April 28, 1938 to the parentage of Larry Don Sr. and Amelia Burgess in Kosse, Texas. Bill attended school in Kosse, Texas. He later moved to California for 20 years and worked as a landscaper. Bill then moved back to Texas and worked for the city of Houston up until retirement. Due to health conditions, he then moved back to the Crosbyton-Lubbock area.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Larry Don Burgess Jr., and Eugene Burgess, and one sister, Erma Jean Burgess.

Bill leaves behind two sons, Torrence Manley and Brandon Burgess of Houston; three sisters, Lillian Burgess Moore of Crosbyton, Elsie (Cecil) Clark of Lockney, and Jimmie Mae Lang of Lubbock; one brother, Ocie Burgess of Lubbock; two grandchildren, Torrence Manley Jr and  Torrae Manley. He also leave behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.