A Mighty Oak Has Fallen

John R. Burgess, Jr.

1946 - 2025

John R. Burgess, Jr, Beta Theta 1419 and Iota 895, among the mightiest oaks of the Sigma Nu forest, has stepped into the Chapter Eternal.

John and Betty in 2015.

John spent his career in or near Student Affairs at Auburn and was a natural to lead, guide, and mentor our collegians. When we were razing the 1957 house in 1994, John stepped up as the local Advisor and assisted Dick Mullins and Frazier Hollis in the transition from the old house, through the auxiliary building, and into the new house. It was a special relationship that would last at least 25 years and positively impact more than 1000 Sigma Nus at Auburn and beyond.

Local leadership is so important, and John was always there, building relationships, being available, guiding and leading our young men, showing them how to get engaged on campus, who to contact for student services, listening to their needs and offering support. John had the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon and then some. 

Mr. Burgess led by his presence and his example, often seen cleaning up, watering flowers, sending notes of encouragement and gratitude, making recommendations for scholarships and employment, helping our young men have the best collegiate fraternity experience possible. 

To be fair and candid, Mr. Burgess was often and rightfully frustrated with the litter, too many expensive and too-large band parties and other typical collegiate tendencies. But he persisted and we are grateful it paid off for our members and our chapter. 

Mr. Burgess was always eager to show us the way and support the vision of becoming a Rock Chapter. It’s wonderful that he saw his dream fulfilled with Rock Chapter designations five consecutive periods now.  

Mr. Burgess received the Regent's Medallion of Merit, presented by the Regent and High Council, at our 125th Anniversary on September 18, 2015, and also Auburn's IFC Advisor of the Year in December 2015. Shown here are his sister Nan, daughter Elizabeth, Mr. Burgess, Betty, daughter-in-law Carrie McFerran, and John III.

It was at this time that we began a march to our first of now five Rock Awards. Mr. Burgess was a great encourager and leader to that goal.



John is also an inductee of the chapter's John M. Ward Alumni Hall of Honor.

Shown here are 2019 Commander Thomas Birchfield,

Housemother Margaret Melzer, and Mr. Burgess.

Margaret Melzer has been our Housemother 20 years now. In fact we owe the Burgess family for her presence since Betty recommended her to John, and that began a beautiful relationship that has helped our chapter prosper. 

Margaret has been a faithful helper to the Burgess family during this difficult and extended time. Margaret had these comments for Beta Theta News. "No one knows the full extent of what John did for this chapter and for our boys. I may know more than most because I was here every day and saw so much of what he did. He checked on the freshmen for their grades and pointed them to resources if needed. He helped them decide which campus organizations to pursue and prepared them for interviews. 

"If anyone had a problem and needed guidance, they knew to go to Mr. Burgess. He bought things for the house that were needed and likely out of his own pocket. He was compassionate, but always worked to be firm and candid. In his own unique way, John was funny as could be and saw humor and irony in so much. 

"I hope Betty, John III, and Elizabeth will be covered up with notes and cards testifying to the impact on the lives and families of so many. I know we will all miss him so very much.”

Shown here at the dedication of an Oak Tree in Mr. Burgess' honor at the chapter house in 2013 are Jim Sprayberry, Hal Isbell, Maury Gaston, Bobby Lowder, Margaret Melzer, Lee Perrett, Mr. Burgess, Betty Burgess, John Burgess 3rd, and Elizabeth Burgess.

As his knees slowed him down, Mr. Burgess welcomed the engagement of others including especially Sean Thomas who said of him, “For 25 years, Mr. Burgess was the top advisor at Auburn and became recognized as one of the best in the southeast and nationally. His impact on thousands of young men who were members of Beta Theta is immeasurable. He lived his life with a servant’s heart and has left a significant legacy of service to Sigma Nu at Auburn and beyond which will be felt for generations.”

Joe Turnham was a Chapter Advisor just before Mr. Burgess and the Turnham and Burgess families have been close for decades. Joe said of Mr. Burgess, “John Burgess and his family have been close friends of mine and my family for over 50 years. His wife Betty, his sister Nan, brother Thad, as well as his children Elizabeth and John III were faithful for many years and served John’s every need with love and dignity during his declining health.

"I will always remember John’s unique and quick sense of humor as well as his kindness. You always left an encounter with John with a smile on your face and a happier spirit.

"John served the brotherhood of Sigma Nu faithfully and with great distinction for over 25 years. John was a true Auburn man, and he lived the Auburn Creed. His work and service to Sigma Nu, to Auburn University, and to the Auburn Community are examples for all Sigma Nu brothers and Auburn men to follow."

Pat Sefton was our SGA President before the time of our tear-down and rebuild and said, “I met John Burgess my Junior year as I began to get involved in Student Government. He was not yet our Chapter Advisor, and was the Director of Foy Union at the time, and in speaking with him the topic of fraternities came up. When he found I was a Sigma Nu and even though he was not yet our Advisor, he immediately bragged how Sigma Nu was the “best chapter on campus,” and he hoped I would stay involved in SGA because for too long it had been dominated by others. He said it in a joking manner, but as I developed a better relationship with Mr. Burgess, I knew he really meant it. He invited me to come by his office any time, and so I did. I frequently stopped in on Friday afternoons, and he always made time to talk with me about life at the chapter and what was happening at the University and SGA. He often provided sage advice, but more than that he became a friend. I’ve learned it is a special blessing to have mentors in life especially when navigating previously untraveled roads as we all do throughout our lives, especially early in college. I know I was one of many Auburn men and Sigma Nus who enjoyed a mentoring relationship with John Burgess, and he will be deeply missed by us all."

Erle Morring was IFC President at the same time and offered, "Mr. Burgess was a true Auburn Man. I first met him while he was Director of Foy Union during my time with the IFC. He was always available - his door was always open - and his advice was always sound and spot on. Mr. Burgess helped me grow and develop as a young man. I later watched him as our Fraternity Advisor do the same for a generation of Auburn men. His influence and example will be felt for years to come."

The Burgess family in New York City at Christmastime -

John III, Betty, Elizabeth, and Mr. Burgess.

Kelley Evers, former Sigma Nu Parent Club Chair, Little Sister, and White Rose whose husband Jay and sons Wen and Grady are all Auburn Beta Theta alumni, shared this:

"I had the pleasure of working with John Burgess when I was the parent club chair several years ago. He was always personable and cordial to me and most importantly 100 percent wise. 

"Before that time, I had my first phone call with him while my husband, Jay, was out of the country. There was a "situation" with one of the boys, and I needed to hear his view point and best advice. He was spot on, offering sage guidance. 

"I had assumed the boys would have thought he was just "another adult who doesn't understand," but John knew all the possible options the boys had - whether it was an academic challenge, personal issues, or family problems. They all respected him once they got to know him. He was experienced and wise with many years of counseling students. He was direct but never condescending or judgmental. 

"Following his passing, several parent club officers texted me concerning the sad news. Here are a few of the comments from some of the moms: 

• "Such a sweet man and so selfless around the fraternity house." 
• "The boys (and parents) were lucky to have him for so many years." 
• "I think most of the boys realized his value once they were gone." 



"I am certain his guidance helped shape our sons, not only while at Auburn, but also into adulthood. John Burgess, you will be missed!" 

Past Commander Myles Maxwell added, “We lost one of the true giants of Beta Theta and Sigma Nu with the passing of John Burgess, Jr. Beyond our fraternity, the world lost a great man; Mrs. Betty lost a devoted husband; John III and Elizabeth lost a loving father, and I and so many others lost a great friend.

"Mr. Burgess made such a positive impact on so many young men down through the years, and even in his passing, he will bring people together in a way that few can. 

"As an Advisor, he embodied principled, ethical leadership. He found a way to strike an incredible balance of providing guidance with empowerment, support with autonomy, and encouragement with realism. 

"More than anything else, he was a kind person who cared deeply about others. May his legacy live on as we find opportunities to exhibit his virtues in our own lives and toward others.” 

Past Commander Pete Dazzio said, “The impact that Mr. Burgess made on young men over the years cannot be overstated. Our Pledge Class of 2019 is praying for his family.”

Sigma Nu Executive Director Brad Beacham has worked with hundreds of alumni volunteers down through the years and made this comment about Mr. Burgess, “God bless our true and faithful Brother. What an exceptionally kind and caring Knight. I always loved his sense of humor, especially. So many wonderful memories of working with him through great as well as challenging times. I’m so pleased he saw the chapter attain their Rock Awards.”

Max Coblentz of our House Corporation and a former Plainsman said, “I gave the commencement at my alma mater, Trinity High School in Montgomery, a year ago and mentioned Mr. Burgess’ impact through his encouragement for me to get involved on campus. That was a transformational impact for which I am grateful.”

Past Chaplain Courtland Williams was to the point when he stated, “Mr. Burgess was a good man and a great Sigma Nu who impacted many people in such a positive way.”

Auburn native Cary Pick was graduated just this past May and shared these unique perspectives. "I was so sad to hear of the passing of my Sigma Nu advisor, Mr. John Burgess last week. He was a big reason that I chose Sigma Nu, and I'm so glad I did.  I knew Mr. Burgess for a good part of my life as he and Miss Betty were family friends, and we attended the same church. 

"Mr. Burgess' guidance, support, and unwavering dedication meant so much to my pledge class. He wasn’t just an advisor — he was a mentor and someone who truly believed in us and in the values of Brotherhood, Leadership, and Integrity. Mr. Burgess lived our values of Love, Honor, and Truth.

"We are forever grateful for the time he gave, the lessons he taught, and the impact he made on each of us. His legacy will continue to live on in the bonds we share, the men we strive to be, and the values we will impart to our future children.

"Rest in peace, Mr. Burgess, and thank you for everything."

This placard is beneath the oak tree planted in Mr. Burgess' honor just outside the back door of the chapter house.

Arrangements, Obituary, and Memorials

Mr. Burgess’ memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church, on Sunday, October 5 with a visitation following. That's the corner of East Magnolia and Gay, one block east of Toomer's. Ask an usher where the reserved Sigma Nu section is located, and get there early. It will likely be live-streamed at www.aumc.net.

The obituary may be accessed here.

Memorials may be made to the John Robert Burgess, Jr., and Elizabeth deGraffenried Burgess Alumni Endowed Scholarship. The name of the scholarship should be noted on a check made payable to the Auburn University Foundation and sent to Auburn Advancement, P.O. Box 3140, Auburn, AL 36830. Cards and notes to the family may be sent to 1511 Beam Court, Auburn, Alabama 36830.