Jonathan W. Burgess was born July 23, 1979 and raised on a small farm in south Alabama. Jonathan was taught about Jesus, work ethic, and being a good southern man at a young age.

Jonathan loved God, and he loved people. The life he lived so proudly is a true testament to that. He was constantly either talking with an old family friend at a local restaurant or to a stranger. He was the man who always, without question, would go the extra mile for anyone who needed his helping hand, regardless of the task. He was known to stop to help strangers on the roadside change a tire, eagerly pull over to assist with a vehicle accident prior to local first responders’ arrival, and help the ones in his community with jumping vehicle batteries off.

Jonathan was a longtime member of a local, southern church where he would serve wherever needed. It was at this church that he married his wife and where he was laid to rest on January 8, 2013.

Countless hours were spent with his father, Tommie, working on antique tractors, specifically John Deere tractors, restoring and showing them proudly. He loved his mother, Martha, more so than most any other human in the world. He was his sister, April’s, protector and accepted this job with the utmost importance. His nieces, Kaylie, Anslie, Cuba, and Shayna, made his world spin around. He believed firmly in the foundation of family.

Jonathan married his wife, Carrie Lou, in November of 2010. They were married slightly over two years before he was called home to Heaven. To ask her, she was his purpose in life. To say they were completely smitten with each other would be an understatement. He loved her so well.

He joined Opp Fire Department in his small hometown as a volunteer in June of 1999. He later joined the department full-time as a career firefighter in January of 2006. He was born to be a firefighter and eagerly gave his entire heart to the community he served. One of his favorite aspects of his job was teaching the children of the community about fire safety. He was a big kid at heart with an even bigger heart. He also joined South Alabama Regional Airport Fire Department part-time, which he assisted in turning into a full-time career department. Jonathan was highly certified and trained within his career, constantly looking for opportunities to grow in knowledge and experience. At the time of his death, he was ranked as a captain with Opp Fire Department.

His legacy continues to live on through the ones who loved him and will continue forevermore. I carry your heart with me; I carry it in my heart.