Mary Ruth Burgess, age 68, of Birmingham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2017. She attended Corner High School. Mrs. Burgess was a leader in the business arena in the Southeast, primarily in the field of mechanical and electrical supply sales. As a pioneer business woman, Mary Ruth started her own company, Squaw Supply, one of the first totally woman-owned supply company in America. She was one of the founding members of the South Region Minority Business Council.
Mary Ruth’s passion to find a cure for MS spurred her on to serve on the MS Board for almost 20 years. She also chaired the Kenny Stabler and Jerry Pate Roasts, benefitting the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur E. “Pee Wee” Burgess, Sr., parents, Harold H. and Ruth Bagwell Hollis, and grandparents, John D. and Evie (Woodruff) Bagwell, and D.E. and Jessie (Walker) Hollis.
Mrs. Burgess was a gifted and very talented lady. She gave willingly from a very big heart and will be dearly missed by numerous cousins, many friends, and her beloved dogs.
Memorial Service will be Monday, October 30, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2427 Corner Rd., Warrior, AL 35180.
