Wilfred R.T. Firth “Pretty Paw Paw”, was called home to the Lord on August 31, 2016.
Wilfred was known as “Fred” or “Freddy” among his friends. He served his country in the United States Navy for two years and a veteran of the Korean War before being called from the sea by the love of his life and wife of 58 years Melrose.
Wilfred retired from the Mississippi Power Company after 32 years. His next 27 years were filled with the love and laughter of his 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. .
Wilfred was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church where he volunteered at the St. Vincent De Paul Society for over 30 years. He also was an active member of the community serving on the Gulf Regional Planning Commission since 1997. He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
His compassionate heart was not limited to the poor. He also was known and loved for his volunteering as Santa Claus for over 31 Christmas,’ where he paid visit to several hospitals along the coast, and also the Battered Women & Children’s center each year where he brought joy and happiness into their lives at a difficult time.
Wilfred’s contributions to his community are too numerous to list. He took every opportunity available to enhance the lives of everyone around him. “To know him was to love him…”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Azoobah Boatwright Firth.
Wilfred is survived by his wife of 58 years, Melrose Derouen Firth; his daughter, Ronna (Jay) Juanico; his sons, Lenny Firth and Kevin (Carla) Firth; his sisters, Edna Freed and Edith Fitzpatrick; his brother, Donald (Barbara) Firth; 6 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to Our Lady of Fatima St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:00 pm. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.
The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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