KICK OFF

Keith Allen Burgess , the youngest of six children, was born to the late Cornith Nathaniel Burgess and Beatrice Morris Burgess on December 26, 1958, in Martinsville, Virginia. He was blessed to grow up in a loving and supportive family alongside his siblings: Bernice Burgess Torada, Julia Burgess Knox, Jim Burgess, Lolita Burgess Denson, and Philbert Burgess

FIRST QUARTER

Keith's childhood was filled with riding bikes, camping, playing sports, listening to music, and building lifelong friendships that shaped the man he became. As the youngest of the six children, he was often doted on by his mother and older sisters.

As a proud graduate of Martinsville High School's Class of 1977, Keith was a standout athlete whose Bulldog pride never faded. He was a key member of the Martinsville Bulldogs, helping lead the school to a football state championship in 1975, a state runner-up finish in 1976, and a state basketball championship in 1976. Having earned numerous accolades, Keith is recognized as one of the star athletes of his time.

SECOND QUARTER

Forever "Bulldog Strong," Keith earned numerous college football scholarship offers before choosing Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where his brother-in-law, Cliff Knox, served as an assistant football coach. When the coaching staff relocated to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Keith transferred with them.

Later, wanting to be closer to his family while his father was ill, he transferred to Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University. While at Hampton, Keith played wide receiver and later served as a student assistant football coach. He remains in the top ten of the university's history for longest touchdown reception at 77 yards.

During Keith's very first semester at Hampton, he met the love of his life, a meeting that would change the course of his life forever. On June 28, 1986, Keith married Myla Young of Greensboro, NC (daughter of William "Bill" Young and Alene Coley Young) and started a beautiful partnership that would span four decades. Together they built a loving home in Richmond, Virginia, where they raised two sons, Bradford Keith Burgess and Jordan Allen Burgess.

THIRD QUARTER

Keith started his professional career with Reynolds Metals Company. When the company relocated, he made the decision to keep his family rooted in Richmond. He accepted a position with Philip Morris USA, where he faithfully served for 25 years, until his health started to decline.

While Keith enjoyed a successful career, his greatest joy came from investing in young people. He was the very first coach his sons ever had and spent many years coaching youth sports through the YMCA and the Alberta Smith Athletic Association. His influence reached far beyond wins and losses as he taught teamwork, discipline, character, and perseverance to countless young athletes.

Keith and Myla believed in building community wherever they went. Together they faithfully served and participated in Spring Creek Baptist Church, the Midlothian Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and Team Richmond AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Basketball. Traveling across the country with Team Richmond families created lifelong friendships that became an extension of their family.

Keith was one of the biggest supporters his family could ever have. Whether it was a basketball game, soccer game, football game, or another milestone, he could always be found in the stands cheering with unmatched enthusiasm. A devoted basketball fan of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), he treasured watching his sons, Bradford and Jordan, play for the Rams. In 2011, attending the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Final Four to cheer on Bradford and the VCU Rams fulfilled one of his lifetime dreams.

His favorite seat was never in the spotlight—it was in the stands, cheering on those he loved. In recent years he was found cheering his grandsons on at soccer, baseball and basketball games. Though that seat is now empty, his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he loved.

FOURTH QUARTER

Recently Keith and Myla discovered a new tradition they cherished together, tailgating at Hampton University football games. There, food, fellowship, laughter, and reconnecting with friends brought them tremendous joy. They enjoyed hosting classmates, new acquaintances and lifelong friends.

Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in June was a wonderful and meaningful celebration with family and friends. Keith's greatest source of pride has always been family and the legacy built by him and Myla.

FINAL PLAY

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, and friend, Keith Allen Burgess passed away on August 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. His life was defined by faith, family, friendship, sports, service, and love.

Keith leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Myla and sons, Bradford (Caroline) and Jordan. He leaves his treasured grandsons Jaiden Allen Burgess, Morgan Bradford Burgess, Miles Taylor Burgess, and Hayes Jrue Burgess; Hayes' mother, Kalah Jones; Jaiden's mother, Laura Torres (Bryan); Jaiden's brother, Phoenix Torres; two nieces and two nephews; six Godsons. He also leaves his extended family, countless friends, former teammates and players, coworkers, and all whose lives were enriched by his unwavering kindness and encouragement.

His life and legacy will continue through the generations he inspired, coached, encouraged, and loved so deeply.

The family asks that those who wish to honor Keith's memory consider making memorial donations in his name to one of the following:

Spring Creek Baptist Church Scholarship Fund

Hampton University Football Excellence Fund

Leukemia Foundation

Keith's Life will be celebrated at a Memorial on

Monday, August 17, 2026 at 10:30AM at .

Spring Creek Baptist Church

5130 Woolridge Road

Mosely, VA 23120