Lewis Sidney Burgman passed away peacefully at home early Sunday morning, July 16, 2023. He was born June 25, 1940 in Valdosta, Georgia to Charles and Ora Lee Burgman. He grew up in a large family of eight children on a small farm near Valdosta. He was educated in the public schools of Lowndes County. Following his high school graduation in 1958, he enrolled at Ft. Valley State College. Lewis worked on the college farm while at Ft. Valley, but found time to pledge Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. During his senior year, he met the “love of his life”, Carolyne Carter, who was a freshman.

After graduation from Ft. Valley, Lewis immediately enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. In 1966, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He started his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Meat and Poultry inspection program. Lewis worked his way up through the ranks and received many promotions throughout his nearly 40-year career with the USDA. His final position before retiring in 2006 was District Manager in charge of food inspection in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky.

In 1977, Lewis was asked to join the US Army Reserves in the Civil Affairs Branch as the veterinarian on the public health team. Over the next 10 years, he worked hard and was promoted to Colonel. Lewis’ unit, the 360 the Civil Affairs Brigade, was activated during the 1991 Desert Storm and he served in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star for “exceptionally meritorious achievement in support of actions against a hostile force.” With 23 years of outstanding credible service, Lewis retired from the Army Reserves in 2000.

In retirement, Lewis was determined to stay active and give back. He volunteered with the Greensboro Urban Ministry and headed the food pantry at his church to serve the neighborhood residents. He was a faithful member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church for over 34 years. He served in many positions at his church, the district and conference level. Although his plate was very full, he always found time to indulge in his passion - GOLF.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ora Lee Burgman; three brothers, Lee Burgman, Lawson Burgman, and Nathaniel Burgman; and one sister Mary Alice Harris. Lewis is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carolyne; two daughters, Alicia (Bryan) Stewart of Charlotte, NC and Anessa Burgman of Greensboro, NC; two grandchildren, Amanda and Myles Stewart; one sister, Dorothy (Alton) Burris of Fitzgerald, GA; two brothers, Wayne Burgman and Ronald (Rachel) Burgman of Valdosta, GA; one sister-in-law, Gwen Burgman of Valdosta, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Burgman Scholarship at SMUMC, 600 East Florida Street, Greensboro, NC 27406 or AuthoraCare Collective (Hospice), 2500 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023 11am at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 600 E Florida St, Greensboro NC 27406. Visitation 10:30am.