NATCHEZ — Services for James E. Thorpe, 81, of Natchez, who died Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Merit Health Natchez, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dillon Wickliffe officiating.

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

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Mr. Thorpe was born June 28, 1935, in Natchez, the son of George Casper Thorpe and Pearl Kyle Thorpe.

He employed by the Natchez Water Works for 46 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Raymond Thorpe, Harold Thorpe, John Thorpe, George Thorpe and Darold Thorpe; and three sisters, Margaret Cangemi, Georgia Jorden  and Fay Butler.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Blackwell Thorpe; two sons, Eddie Thorpe and wife, Shirley, and Butch Thorpe and Christy Cassels; two daughters, Gwen Veade and husband, Danny, and Brenda Hoover; six grandchildren, Rebecca Hunnicutt, Jennifer Sweeny and husband, George, Jamie Thorpe and wife, Sari, Jonathan Thorpe and Heather Cammie Hoover, Garrett Thorpe and Jessa; three great-grandchildren, Bella Blalock, Abby Thorpe and Margo Sweeny; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his best friend, Lucky.

Pallbearers will be Jamie Thorpe, Jonathan Thorpe, Garrett Thorpe, Mike Blackwell, Rusty Blackwell and Randy Cowart.

Online condolence may be sent lairdfh.com.