William Cain "Willie" Firth

FIRTH William Cain "Willie" Firth, 85, of Pascagoula, MS, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Covington County Hospital in Collins, MS. He had been a resident of the U.S. Veterans Home in Collins since August 2011. Willie was born on March 12, 1927 in Pascagoula, the son of William Daniel and Effie Jane Cain Firth. He was a member of the Pascagoula High School graduating class of 1945. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of seventeen and served on the USS Enterprise during World War II. After his service in the Navy, he attended Mississippi Southern College in Hattiesburg where he met his wife Kathryn Dunn of Hattiesburg. He and Kathryn moved to Moss Point in 1952 where he began working at International Paper Company until his retirement in 1989. An avid fisherman and hunter, he spent most of his retirement days at his fishing camp on Riverlodge Road in Escatawpa. He was a member of Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church in Pascagoula, MS and served the YMBC in Moss Point as treasurer for many years. Known also for his artwork, Willie was responsible for much of the art and decorations enjoyed by those attending the annual YMBC carnival balls. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Stova Firth, and sisters Elma Firth Russell and Dorris Firth Watts. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of 61 years; one daughter, Kathy Firth Reynolds (Marc) of Gautier; and one son, William Stova Firth (Margaret) of Hattiesburg. He was "Pawpaw" to grandchildren Marcia Reynolds Lang (Mark), Laura Reynolds Zettler (Zach), Kevin Marc Reynolds (Maci), Paul William Firth (Carrie), John Austin Firth, Daniel Charles Firth, and Faith Alyson Proctor. He was "Poppi" to great grandchildren Savannah and Camden Lang; Lily and Claire Zettler; Kati, Keeli, and Jonathan Reynolds; and Tucker and Anna Firth. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Charles Watts officiating. A private graveside service will follow with Willie's grandsons serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice. Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, MS is in charge of arrangements. You may view and sign the online register book for William Cain Firth at : www.heritagefuneral home.us