Richard Pilgrim

Richard Miller Pilgrim, aka Butch or Pop, was called home by his Lord on August 2, 2016. He was born in Poteet, Texas on August 27, 1943 to Alma and Wilson Pilgrim. He is preceded in death by his father, Wilson Pilgrim and his mother, Alma Smith and his brothers, Jim Pilgrim and Mike Pilgrim. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Martha Pilgrim; his two daughters, Roxanne Pilgrim and Lori Herrmann (Lee, "Booger"); two granddaughters, Shelby and Mollee Herrmann and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was a dedicated husband, awesome father and an extremely proud Pop. His love of family extended far past his own family as was shown by the many people that fondly referred to him as "Pop". Richard graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1961. He went on to earn his Bachelors of Science in Education degree from Texas A&I University in 1969. Coach Pilgrim led many young student athletes to success on the football field, basketball court and track field as he coached at several South Texas high schools. In 1976, he left coaching and went on to pursue a career in the oilfield. He led a very successful career until his retirement in 2015. Richard enjoyed hunting and playing golf and was totally immersed in being a Pop starting in 1995. He was known to quote rodeo statistics and successes by his granddaughters to anyone who would listen. In just this past year, he was able to watch both of his granddaughters at various high school and professional rodeos and was so happy to be able to share in the excitement of their successes. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be conducted on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. in the Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel. The family would like to thank Christus Spohn Hospice and Karen Martin and a special thank you to Richard’s caretaker, Ernie Olivarez for all of her love and care over the past two years. In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to Texas High School Rodeo Association, Region VIII. Please send donations to THSRA, VIII, attention Celina Fetty, 3005 Santa Ana St. Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.