Hite B. Wolcott

Hite B. Wolcott, 91, died Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at the Madison County Medical Center. A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Ridgeland with burial following in Jessamine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 8 pm today at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland and 10 am Saturday at the church.
Mr. Wolcott was born on August 13, 1917, in Griffin, Georgia, the son of the late Eudox and Blanche Wolcott. A long time resident of Madison County, he graduated from Madison-Ridgeland High School where he was a member of the football team. At the age of 17, Mr. Wolcott joined the U.S. Merchant Marines where he served as a diesel mechanic in the South Pacific. After serving his country, he returned to Mississippi, accepting a position with Bellsouth where he retired after 41 years of employment as a supervisor.
Mr. Wolcott served the served the citizens of the City of Ridgeland as Mayor for five 4-year terms and as an Alderman. He was first elected as an Alderman in 1961 and after one term he was elected Mayor. "Mayor Wolcott was a great leader and brought much progress to Ridgeland and Madison County." said Gene F. McGee, Mayor of Ridgeland. He served on the Board of Directors for the Pearl River Valley Supply District from 1982-1988. Mr. Wolcott was appointed by Governor William Winter and served as Director. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Madison County Medical Center when it was known as Madison General Hospital. Mr. Wolcott was a member of the Canton Rotary Club, Madison- Ridgeland Optimist Club, the Mississippi Easter Seals Society, and the Masonic Lodge. Wolcott Circle off of Lake Harbour Drive in Ridgeland was developed by Mr. Wolcott. The popular Wolcott Park, located at 201 McClellan Drive in Ridgeland was developed when he was Mayor and was named in his honor. The City of Ridgeland experienced tremendous growth during his years of service. Under Wolcott's leadership, there were aggressive road programs, increased city services, new water wells, new water lines, new regional sewer lines, new police and fire stations, as well as drainage and flood control projects. One of the most noticeable changes that occurred under his leadership was the transformation of County Line Road from a two lane road traversing pasture lands to a busy commercial area. According to Mayor Gene McGee, Mr. Wolcott was instrumental in getting Northpark Mall to locate to Ridgeland. Mr. Wolcott was also a board member of the Madison County Economic Development Authority from 1979 to 2003.
Mr. Wolcott was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ridgeland. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing and traveling to the Mountains in North Carolina.
Survivors include: Marguerite Wolcott; daughter, Carol Wolcott; daughter, Frances Wolcott; daughter, Christine Flanagan; son, Earl Wolcott, all of Ridgeland; daughter, Patricia Holston of Pearland, TX; grandchildren, Kristy Bowen of Longview, TX, Chuck Mertz of Ridgeland, Nikie Kidd of Brevard, NC, Josh Richardson of Ridgeland, Meredith Blocker of Florida, Katherine Blocker of Ridgeland, Stefan Wolcott of Colorado; five great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Easter Seals, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606.