Sept. 23, 1931 – June 12, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for E. K. “Pete” Westmoreland, 80, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 2 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ray Varnado officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the directions of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time today at the funeral home.

Mr. Westmoreland was born Sept. 23, 1931, in Mendenhall, the son of Thomas Lawrence Westmoreland and Pallie Stubbs Westmoreland.

His accomplishments throughout his life included the following: the award of Eagle Scout; the football team at Hinds Junior College; his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict; retiree from South Central Bell after 37 years; and fourth-place winner in the whole hog at “Memphis in May” world championship.

Mr. Westmoreland was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Tom Westmoreland and Fred Westmoreland.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Joyce Westmoreland of Natchez; two sons, Knox Westmoreland of Houston and Charles L. Westmoreland and wife, Donna, of Brandon; one daughter, Ann Westmoreland of Vidalia; five grandchildren, Walter Albright, Jennifer Van-Nort of Houston, Kristy Walters and husband, Adam, of Fort Riley, Kan., Matt Westmoreland of Brandon and Sarah Katherine Webber of Vidalia; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mamie Ross and Charlene Morris and husband, Sonny; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Steve Ross, Jim Westmoreland, David Eidt, Rusty Marks, Pat McDonough and Rod Blanchard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Morris, John Westmoreland, Wayne “Bud” Ross, Ed Mardis, Ronnie Hendricks, Robert Lewis, Gil Jackson, Robert “Red” Owens, Lucien “Sonny” Gwin, Bradley Harrison, Webb Carter and special friend Gene Blanchard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of choice.