Michael H. "Mike" Burgess

Mike Burgess, age 78, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 27, 2026. He was born in Conway, Arkansas, on January 12, 1948, to the late Cecil and Bobbye Burgess.

A man of exceptional character and dedication, Mike’s strong work ethic started at an early age when he helped his grandfather deliver eggs door-to-door as a teenager. He was a 1965 graduate of Guy-Perkins High School and later attended CBC in the late 1960s. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Karen. Together, they spent nearly 46 years building a lifetime of deep devotion, beautifully raising their blended families.

Mike's natural drive and genuine care for people led him to successful professional careers with Teletype, Levi Strauss, ABF, MetLife, Mass Mutual, and Cetera Advisors. He took immense pride in his work as a financial advisor, viewing his clients not just as business relationships, but as extended family members whom he was deeply privileged to guide and help.

Mike was a dedicated man of faith, serving as a long-time member of Temple Baptist Church from 1980 to 2007, and later Geyer Springs First Baptist Church from 2007 to the present. He loved throwing parties for his Sunday School classes and work colleagues. Known for his absolute dependability, Mike made it a point to be 15 minutes early to every single place he went—whether it was a church service, a business meeting, or a casual dinner with family and friends. An avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, Mike also found great joy in playing golf, hosting swimming parties, and traveling to Orange Beach with Karen. Above all, nothing brought a bigger smile to his face or greater pride to his heart than his grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter, Kim Caipen. His legacy lives on through his surviving family: his wife, Karen Burgess; his brother, Randy (Gigi) Burgess; his daughters, Katherine (Wess) Daniels and Jackie Lindsay; his four grandchildren, Rusty Caipen, Hayden (Bella) Smith, Evan Metzger, and Grace Daniels; and his two great-grandsons, Korbin and Tate Caipen.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life to be held immediately following the visitation at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Mike's honor to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, 12400 I 30, Little Rock, AR 72210.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.