Ugande Demoine Burney

January 12, 1972 - March 28, 2021

Ugande Demoine Burney was born on January 12, 1972 in Hazlehurst, Georgia to Irene C. Burney and Foster Ogden (who preceded him in death). Ugande departed this life on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Ugande accepted Christ as the head of his life at an early age and joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Albion, Michigan under the leadership of Pastor Fred H. Alexander, Jr. Ugande attended and graduated from Albion Public Schools in 1990. He excelled in classes that allowed him to showcase his creative abilities. After graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps where he served four years. While in the military, his duties included corrosion control and Aviation Support Equipment Mechanical Technician. He served honorably in the Marines earning the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Commanding General 3D MAW Certificate of Commendation, Good Conduct Medal Period (2nd Award), Meritorious Mast, Good Conduct Medal. Ugande’s experience in the Marines played a very important role in his life. He would often explain how discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself contributed to his success. When Ugande left the military, he pursued a new mission, engineering. He enrolled in ITT Technical Institute in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he studied Architectural Design and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Design. Most recently, he was employed as a Design Engineer with Commonwealth Associates Inc. in Jackson, Michigan where he worked for 12 years until 2018. Though he enjoyed his chosen profession, Ugande’s most important job was being a proud and dedicated father. He poured his love and energy into building a strong bond with his daughter Taylor, the love of his life! Ugande was affectionately known to family and friends as “Gande, Big D, and Gonzo.” He was artistically brilliant! His entrepreneurial skills and creative genius allowed him to be self-employed while he was still in high school. Ugande created fresh, custom haircuts and denim designs. Young at heart, he enjoyed remote control cars, playing video games, dismantling and reassembling remote control kits/helicopters, etc. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Ugande leaves to cherish his memories: his mother, Irene C. Mitchell of Denver, Colorado, one daughter; Taylor Whitney Burney of Jackson, Michigan, the aunt who raised him; Paulene D. Story of Albion, Michigan; five sisters; Terolyn Ogden-Bukner (Marlon) of Lizella, Georgia; Conswellor Ogden of Macon, Georgia; Pamela Clark (Eugene) of Augusta, Georgia, Tashmesia Mitchell of Denver, Colorado, Aminada Mitchell of Denver, Colorado; and two brothers; Foster Ogden, Jr. (Lavonia) of Baxley, Georgia; and Cedric Ogden (Curla) of Centerville, Georgia, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, family, friends, and a very special friend, Nancy Caldwell.