Richard G. Pitchford, 86, of Dunbar, died tragically on January 24, 2018.

He was born February 15, 1931 in Liberty to the late Ivan "John" and Belva Davis Pitchford. Richard lived in Dunbar for more than 60 years and was a dedicated member of Roxalana Gospel Tabernacle.

Mr. Pitchford was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Italy during the Korean War. It was there he honed his skills in auto mechanics.

Following his service to his country, he began a profession in the trucking industry. A thorough expert of his trade, he served as a master mechanic for McLean Trucking, Bell Lines Trucking Company and Smith Transfer, where he retired as Shop Manager. Not one to stay idle, he returned to work at Hubert Jones and Sons Trucking before concluding his career at Shamblin Stone, Inc.

With a strong work ethic and commitment to his family, he led by example in his community. Utilizing his mastery of many skills, he was affectionately referred to as the handiest man in town. He was a dedicated volunteer for Fairlawn Baptist Church, where he assisted in remodeling their church activities building. He had a fondness for repairing old homes, restoring antique cars, assembling go carts and building ping pong tables.

Richard's love and affection was most present in the countless memories he provided to his children with the construction of tree and play houses. It is in them that his influence can still be seen and felt today.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Carol Holley Pitchford; and brothers, William Pitchford and Arnold Pitchford.

He is survived by his wife, Lorene Coffey Pitchford, with whom he enjoyed many travel adventures in the past 10 years; children, Edward Pitchford and wife, Tina of Tampa, FL, Gail Pitchford, and husband, Guus Lobach of Charleston; and John Pitchford of Charleston; grandson, Andrew Pitchford of Charleston, SC; sister-in-law, Diana Holley; special nephew, Matt Holley and wife, Chris of Lynchburg, VA; brothers, Delbert Pitchford and wife, Nancy, Carl Pitchford and wife, Joyce; and numerous nieces and nephews from the Pitchford family.

Richard is also survived by step-children, Debbie Shields, Penny Wolfe, Brigitte Werts, and Eric Coffey; nine step-grandchildren; and 11 step-great-grandchildren.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 29 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Rev. Tom Price officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 28 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers the family request that gifts be made in Richard's memory to Roxalana Gospel Tabernacle Building Fund, 1850 Roxalana Rd., Dunbar, WV 25064, or a charity of your choice.