Arvis Pitchford

Mr. Pitchford, 74, of 2314 Emerald Mine Road, Shelby, NC, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Peak Resources of Shelby, NC. Red, was a retired Animal Control Officer (23 years service) with the City of Shelby. He was a former member of Shelby Freewill Baptist Church and current member of Elliott Memorial Baptist Church. Red was preceeded in death by his parents Ed and Maude Carroll Pitchford, his wife Mattie Marilyn Lail Pitchford, a granddaughter Sara Katie Pitchford, and a brother Dennis "Big Red" Pitchford. He is survived by four sons; Tony Pitchford and wife Terry of Ellenboro, NC, Robert Pitchford and wife Sheila of Boiling Springs, NC, Marty Francis and wife Jane, and Kenny Francis and wife Robin both of Shelby, NC, a daughter Debra Mellon and husband Gary of Lattimore, NC, and one sister Cecile Bridges and husband Bill of Lawndale, NC. In addition to these he is also survived by grandchildren; Zachary and Maty Pitchford, Gracie and Wesley Pitchford, Mike and Brian Mellon, Chris and Michelle Francis, and Clayton and Emily Francis, and great grandchildren; Caleb Mellon, Cody Mellon, Josh Mellon, Brianna Mellon, Jacob Jarrell and Avery Francis. Red also is survived by a nephew Curt Bridges and wife Grace, and a niece Renee Kearney and husband John. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Leroy Melton. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 of Elliott Memorial Baptist Church, Stick Elliott Road, Lawndale, NC 28090.