R.L. Parham and Burgess met in the front yard of his damaged home on S.C. 9, which was crushed by a huge oak tree during a storm April 6. Burgess’ wife, Coleen, died in the wreckage that evening.
Parham handed Burgess a check for $2,871 and a $100 Visa gift card. Ryan’s Tree Service and Bethany Presbyterian Church equally split the $1,000 to pay for the crane and tree removal.
“I sure appreciate everything from everybody and the churches,” Burgess said. “This will help me build back.”
Burgess said his son Kevin Burgess and a friend have been working hard to construct a wall to seal the hole left behind by the 100-foot-tall oak.
Burgess said they got most of the trash out and are hoping the structure will pass inspection once they level the trailer. He hopes to repair the home so he can move back in. He has been living next door with Kevin and his family.
Parham spearheaded the effort to help the family. He expressed his gratitude to the community.
“I want to thank the local community here in Buford and the surrounding area for coming to the aid of somebody in distress and need,” Parham said.
The two men talked for a few minutes about building and zoning and thanked each other with a handshake and a pat on the back.
Burgess, a retired electrician with medical issues, stood in silence for a minute after accepting the check. True to his working ways and unaccustomed to anything that felt like charity, he asked Parham, “Do I owe you anything?”
Parham cleared his throat and said “No, sir.”
Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or contact her at (803) 283-1152.
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