William F. Burge Jr.

He met and married Sarah Demia Cook, his wife of 70 years, in 1940. After graduating from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, he left the family farm in Gallatin and moved to Houston to work for Brown & Root as chief engineer for Herman Brown. In 1946 he and David Hannah, Jr. founded Ayrshire Corporation. Ayrshire is now celebrating 65 years in the real estate development and investment business throughout the U.S.

He viewed success in business as being in partnership with people of the same values and goals. He often said, “It’s not what’s on paper that makes the world go around.” He had a great journey through life, touching many lives along the way. “Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength” remains his legacy to all who knew him.

He is survived by two sons, William F. “Billy” Burge, III and his wife, Pam, and Charles E. “Eddie” Burge and his wife, Linda; along with 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Other survivors include his son-in-law, Scott Bradley Good; grandchildren, Jeni Burge Raymond and husband, Gabe, and their children Ashley and Amanda; William Farley Burge IV, Chuck Burge and wife, Stacie, Farley S. Burge and wife, Dawn, and their children, Noelle and Caroline; Mathew Burge, Sara Elizabeth Good and Samantha Burge Good. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Edwin Cook and his wife, Mikki; in addition, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, the late Sarah Burge; his daughter, Sara Ann Burge Good; along with 12 brothers and sisters.

The family would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their tender loving care and service both before and after Mr. Burge’s passing: Maria White, Angelina Pena, Felipa Rosales and Maria Gonzalez. A special acknowledgement to Hilda Lewis and Sherry Applewhite for the love and care while working with Mr. Burge at Ayrshire.

The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 29th of July, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Rev. David Drinnon, Associate Pastor of Second Baptist Church, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Grand Foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in honor of William may be directed to KHCB Radio, 2424 South Blvd., Houston, TX, 77098; Narramore Christian Foundation, P.O. Box 661900, Arcadia, CA, 91066-1900; or to Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX, 77057.