Christopher ‘Chris’ L. Burg

Christopher “Chris” L. Burg, 59, of Martinsburg, WV, passed away on August 12th, 2024, after a short bout with kidney cancer at the Hospice of the Pan-handle, Kearneysville, WV.

Chris was born on February 3rd, 1965, in York, PA to Joyce (Burg) Brown. He is survived by his mother Joyce; his wife of 33 years, Tonya Burg; a daughter, Jordan Burg McKinney; a son, Christopher Burg, Jr., and wife Tiffany; two grandchildren, Nori Burg and Dash Burg; and a host of family and friends.

Chris is preceded in death by his grandmother, Beulah Burg and son in law, Fred “Jaycee” McKinney, Jr.

Chris was a 1983 graduate of William Penn Senior High School in York, PA where he excelled at both baseball and ice hockey. After high school, he attended Institute of Technology in York, PA which led to a 12-year career at Technology Telecommunications Corporation (TTC), later known as Acterna in Germantown, Maryland. During this time, he relocated to Martinsburg, WV, his wife’s hometown.

Chris transitioned careers to pursue his bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University in 2003, graduating in 2008. During this time, he also served as Unit Director for the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Boys & Girls Club from 2003-2007 and Director of Basketball Operations for Shepherd University Men’s Basketball from 2002-2004. In 2004, he was hired to be a middle school basketball coach at Martinsburg South Middle School where he led his teams to 4 league championships in 4 seasons, while only suffering 1 loss during those years. He then went on to coach a variety of sports for Martinsburg High School, serving as the head freshman basketball coach and assistant varsity basketball coach for 16 seasons, being a part of state championship teams in 2009 and 2013. He also spent time coaching junior varsity baseball, junior varsity softball, and varsity softball at Martinsburg High School. He returned to Martinsburg South Middle School as head coach for their cross-country team as well.

Chris began his teaching career at Orchard View Intermediate School in Martinsburg, WV in 2010, then moving to Martinsburg South Middle School in 2012 to teach Mathematics, his favorite subject. While teaching, Chris completed a master’s degree in special education from Fairmont State University and a second master’s degree in mathematics from Western Governor’s University.

Throughout Chris’ adult life he was involved in many things. He began volunteering his time coaching youth hockey, basketball, and baseball in the late 1990’s into the early 2000’s, while also serving as cubmaster for a local chapter of Cub Scouts during this time. While teaching at Martinsburg South Middle School, he was also involved with their chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Chris was of the Christian faith, a man of God and a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He was a certified lay servant at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church as well as other churches when he was needed to preach the word. His passion for his faith and serving of God, granted him opportunities to serve as chair of the SPPRC, be a member of the trustees, sing with the men’s choir, and serve as president of the United Methodist Men.

He was a spiritual leader and one of Chris’ favorite sayings were “God is GREAT, all the time! All the time, God is GREAT!” Chris’ goal was to someday serve as a local pastor. Now he is serving in Heaven!

Chris will be remembered for his commitment to the youth, his community, and his faith in the Lord.

Visitation and fellowship will take place on Saturday, September 7 from 10-11am, with the service to follow at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 700 New York Avenue, Martinsburg, WV. Pastor Ed Hall, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church will be officiating. A repass will follow the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in memory of Chris be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3222, Martinsburg, WV 25402.