Obituary of Charles Burroughs

On Monday, August 28, 2017, Charles “Mickey” Burroughs was called Home to rest.

Mickey was born on June 18, 1933 to the late John and Ernestine (Williams) Burroughs in Jamaica Long Island, NY, the youngest of four brothers.  John, Leon, Raymond and Mickey. He attended the Burlington City school system in Burlington, NJ.  Mickey played basketball in high school, excelling to the level of being inducted to the Burlington City Schools Hall of Fame. He also played the trombone. In addition, he attained his first job at Burlington Coat Factory while in high school.

Mickey was raised in the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Burlington, where he enjoyed singing with his brothers. They were taught 4-part harmony by their father and gained local acclaim as The Burroughs Brothers.

After High school, Mickey went into the army, where he continued to play basketball. In September of 1953, while still in the service, he married Gloria Yvonne Scott. From this union, there were born three children: Victoria, Ricki and Yvette. They lived in Palmyra, NJ.

Mickey joined Evergreen Baptist Church and was instrumental in the music ministry. He was a member of the Austin Singers, with which he sang for many years. They even recorded some music.

He was a member of the Borough Council of Palmyra, NJ and was interested and involved in the development of the Harbour.

Mickey took business courses at Temple University. He worked for HK Porter and RCA and eventually managed The Four Winds Motor Lodge complex. He also worked for Storer Cable Marketing in Philadelphia and vicinity as well as in Houston, Texas. He also made deliveries for Shirley Office supply.

Mickey was an avid sports fan, taking joy and pride in supporting local sports teams and players.  He especially enjoyed watching his son excel on the field. He was a lifelong Oakland Raiders fan but appreciated the Eagles as well. He loved horse races.

Mickey enjoyed travelling but was always an active member of the communities in which he lived. He loved sharing wisdom and jokes with the neighborhood children and would engage in conversation with neighbors and strangers alike.

Mickey had a debilitating stroke 20 years ago but it only slowed him down a little. He enjoyed travelling around Burlington City on his motorized scooter. He would still get to the track when he could. He rejoined Tabernacle Baptist Church and enjoyed worship, especially the music ministry. Although his speech was limited, he still contributed colorful language to all of his conversations.

Mickey was preceeded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leon and Raymond. He is survived by his oldest brother, John of Burlington; children, Victoria of Palmyra, Ricki (Monique) of Palmyra and Yvette of Burlington; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and friends; a godson and namesake, Charles Bell and a dear friend, Marcia Connelly.