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July 9, 1934 – April 21, 2015

NATCHEZ — Services for Richard G. Pitchford, 80, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at the Jackson Veterans Home, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Basilica.

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

Visitation will be at 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Mr. Pitchford was born July 9, 1934, in Natchez, the son of John and Inez Hunter Pitchford.

He was a resident of Natchez since retiring in 2006.

A Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor of administration in business administration, he utilized his degree in the hospitality industry.

Later in life, he utilized his skills in the Peace Corps and missionary work assisting developing countries in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Mexico.

Richard devoted his life helping others help themselves.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Sherry Shannon Pitchford; five brothers, Fred Pitchford, Col. Charles F. Pitchford, Col. John J. “Jack” Pitchford, Frank M. Pitchford and Tom L. Pitchford; two sisters, Peggy Pitchford and Inez Pitchford Marlow; and two brothers-in-law, Gene Loomis and Kirk Bartley.

Survivors include one daughter, Pamela A. Pitchford; two sons, Lt. Col. Shannon Pitchford USMC (Ret) and wife, Gunnery Sgt. Judy Pitchford USMA (Ret) and Richard Gerow Pitchford Jr.; five grandchildren, Joshua, Abigail, Emily, Emma and Sean Patrick; two great-grandsons, Riley and Oden; two brothers, Gerald Pitchford and wife, Yara, and Jim Pitchford and wife, Leigh; two sisters, Mary Catherine “Sister” Pitchford Loomis and Judy Pitchford Bartley; one sister-in-law, Patty Pitchford; one brother-in-law, Orvis Marlow; and a number of great-grandsons, nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Basilica Family Life Center, 107 S. Union St., Natchez, MS 39120.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.