The Life of Henry Grady Pitchford Jr.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 10:00 am in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Dr. Henry Grady Pitchford, Jr. formerly of Lafayette, who passed away Monday, May 14, 2012 at Dadeville Healthcare where he was a resident.
Msgr. Russell Harrington, Chancellor, will officiate assisted by Reverend Rhodes Stipp Pastor of First Presbyterian Church.
Interment will take place at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.
Dr. Pitchford was born June 5, 1929 in Dadeville, Al to Henry Grady Pitchford and Bernice Pitchford. He attended High School in LaGrange, GA and then served in the U. S. Navy. Following his service, he received degrees from Auburn University, Syracuse University and his PhD in sociology from Emory in 1960.
Dr. Pitchford taught at Southwestern Louisiana University from 1960-1963, San Jose State University from 1963-1969, and then returned to SW Louisiana University in 1969 where he taught until his retirement. During his career he received many honors including, The Distinguished Professors Award, 1972, The Amoco Award for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduates, 1982 and the Beacon Award for Outstanding service to Handicapped Students, 1989. He served on the Parish Council at Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette from 1983-1984. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn, Alabama.
Following his retirement from teaching, he volunteered, almost daily, at the Lafayette Public Library until 2006 when he moved back to Alabama.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret Lorene Guthery of Auburn, AL; his nephews, David Guthery of Auburn AL, Dr. Dennis Alan Guthery of Glendale, AZ and many grand nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his mother and his father.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed Tuesday from 9:00 am until time of service.
Pallbearers will include Dennis Allen Guthery, Paul E. Joubert, Carroll Joubert, and Dan Foster.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
