Longtime Brookhaven resident Clyde Eugene Pilgreen Jr., 87,passed away at his home on July 23, 2009, after a lengthyillness.

Born in Selma, Ala., on July 10, 1922, Clyde was the son of thelate Eloise Binford and Clyde Eugene Pilgreen Sr. He is survived byhis beloved wife, Anita; his loving daughters, Pamela Palmer andhusband, John, in Frisco, Texas, Michele Williams and husband,Randy, in Somerset, Va., and Patrice Dell and husband, Bill, inAlbuquerque, N.M.; along with his devoted grandsons, Ryan andPreston Dell, and Taylor Williams.

Clyde pursued his early love of airplanes and joined theaviation cadets of the Army Air Corps in 1942. After serving fouryears, he entered veterinary school at Auburn University. Duringhis first year there, he married Anita Hollingsworth, of Anniston,Ala., who was also a student at Auburn at the time.

After finishing veterinary school, Clyde opened his first clinicin Brookhaven in June 1950 in a small building near what is nowThames and Eady. His practice included both large and smallanimals. The business later evolved into an 18-year partnershipwith Dr. M. L. Hayles.

Before retiring, Clyde opened a smaller clinic on his own,working predominately with small animals. Upon completion of his48-year career, Clyde was named an honorary and lifetime member ofthe American Veterinary Medical Association and the MississippiVeterinary Medical Association.

Clyde’s greatest loves were his family, music and his belovedAuburn Tigers. Even though his daughters lived in three differentstates, the family often spent time together and celebrated specialoccasions. New Orleans was the favorite destination.

Clyde’s passion for Big Band, jazz and other kinds of music waswell-known among his friends and family. His love for playing thedrums began in high school and continued throughout his life.

A funeral Mass will be held to celebrate Clyde’s life on Aug. 12at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A rosary willbe said the previous evening at 6 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Church,227 E. Cherokee St., Brookhaven, MS 39601 or St. Jude Children’sResearch Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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