Elmer L. Burge

Elmer Lewis "Tuggle" Burge passed peacefully at the age of 94 on June 2, 2017 in Brookhaven, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife Geneva Sullivan Burge, daughter Vickie Ann Scholz and brother Henry Burge.

Tuggle was born on January 9, 1923 in Morgan County GA and was the eldest son of Mavis and Walter Burge. He lived on the family farm until 1942 when at the age of 19, he joined the Greatest Generation and enlisted in the Navy to embark on the greatest adventure of his life. Signalman First Class Burge participated in almost every major campaign in the Pacific islands aboard the small naval vessel "LCI 442" (landing craft infantry). These small landing craft known as Elsies brought troops to shore during invasion operations. LCI 442 received a Naval Unit Commendation and a Presidential Unit Commendation for the heroism of its men during their many campaigns.

After the war, Tuggle returned to Georgia where he moved to Atlanta and married Geneva Sullivan and raised three daughters; Teresa, Vickie and Angela. Geneva and Tuggle raised their family in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta.

Tuggle worked for many years as a construction superintendent and welder building many Atlanta area schools still in use today. In later years, he joined Sealtest dairies, later Kraft before retiring in 1990.

He is survived by two daughters, Teresa Norton Azar (Charles) of Cumming, Angela Burge Johnson (Reggie) of Stockbridge, son-in-law William E. Scholz (Jonesboro), grandchildren Kerry McNeil Powell (Alan) of Brookhaven, Michelle Norton Maiers (Jay) of Buford, Gage Johnson (Stockbridge), great grandchildren Grace Powell and Ava Johnson, brother Jesse Burge (Fairhope, AL) and many nieces and nephews.

A military honors graveside memorial is planned for June 17 2017 at 1pm section 42 at Westview Cemetery 1680 Westview Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30310.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899