About The Geek For God!
I am originally from Signal Mountain, Tennessee, which is a suburb of Chattanooga. Growing up there was the beginning of my journey to where I am now. My life in Chattanooga was richly blessed by my parents, Gary and Shelia Burgess, and sister, Shannon Burgess. My grandparents, Polly and Leon Webb, were the greatest blessings I could have growing up. As a youngster I found myself to be a solid family person but I did have other friendships too. Going to school, working for my grandfather’s printing company Webbco Graphics, gave me a greater appreciation for life and the tools that I would need to work in the fields of communications and publishing.
In 1988 I graduated from Red Bank High School where I was a leader in ROTC and a drug education and awareness group then called Student’s Staying Straight. I got to visit Hawaii during that time and attended the PRIDE drug education conference in Atlanta. My life has had lots of unique experiences that make up the fabric of who I am today. My church life at Signal Mountain Baptist was a huge part of my growing up. It was there I found Christ and an understanding of his love. I always loved nerdy stuff and enjoyed going to UTC Mocs basketball and football games and those are things I still enjoy today. My sister has been an adversary but mostly a friend. I prayed for a sister back in 1976 and the lord blessed me with Shannon. Her life has made mine more rewarding.
College was a struggle but I made it through with God’s grace. I am proud to be a 1992 graduate of Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN. Many fond memories come from that time in my life originated from my time there. My education from Hiwassee expanded my horizons and presented me with some great opportunities, challenges and confidence. The most important thing about Hiwassee is that my life changed there with the realization that I can be successful in anything I set my heart and mind to achieve. In 1994 I finished up at Middle Tennessee State University, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where I majored in Mass Communications. MTSU was a different place, a bigger place but just as life affecting.
In college I found success, but in all things there is progression and change. Getting a job, growing up and using the tools granted to you by God and your education. Life changes but God always has blessings and new experiences behind every corner.
Years later, and one challenge after another, I am married to my wonderful wife, Laura; and we live in Chattanooga. We have been married since 1999 and she happened in my life when I least expected it. She has changed me for the better. I have grown as a human being because of her love and devotion. A few months after we married, we suffered an apartment fire. Like a phoenix, we rose from the ashes; and it made us stronger yet vulnerable too. God blessed us with recovery and renewal. For 3-1/2 years we lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where we were blessed with spiritual and occupational opportunities.
My life is filled with making a living and, most importantly, making a life. Laura and I worship and serve at White Oak United Methodist Church where we are both very active in the life of the church. I work for the Church Directory Division of Olan Mills as a telemarkter/appointment setter, a job that has provided me a great chance to do well and accomplish goals.