Thomas Houston Pigford's Obituary
Thomas Houston Pigford, 86, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, Tennessee, surrounded by his family.
Tom was born October 16, 1938, in Meridian, Mississippi, in the small community of Whynot. He was the second of four children of Hiram and Beatrice Pigford, and grew up alongside his older brother Hiram “Sonny” Pigford and younger twin sisters, Jean (Carmichael) and Jo Ann (Beck).
His family later relocated to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where Tom graduated from Deshler High School in 1958. A natural leader, he excelled in athletics while also serving as Head Drum Major of the marching band. Tom went on to attend the University of Mississippi from 1958–1961, earning his undergraduate degree. He often said those years at Ole Miss were the best of his life.
From 1961–1966, Tom served proudly in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain. His service took him to places such as Thule, Greenland, which left him with many stories and the firm belief that he became an expert at driving in icy conditions—skills that rarely translated to Memphis winters.
After completing his service, Tom earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1969. He then moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began his distinguished career with the United States Postal Service Legal Department. Shortly thereafter, he met Mary Ann Cutshaw, and the two were married in 1970. Together they embarked on a lively, full life together, raising five children: Ashlee Pigford; Hillary Rizzi; Erin Rainer; Philip Pigford; and Lauren Abbott.
Over the course of his long legal career, Tom rose to become Chief General Counsel for the USPS Southeastern Region. His work earned him the respect of colleagues and government partners alike.
A case that earned Tom particular professional recognition involved protecting a young girl who had been receiving threatening letters in the mail. With his steady guidance, Tom collaborated closely with the FBI to bring the perpetrator to justice. His unwavering persistence and sharp legal strategy not only secured the perpetrator's arrest but, more crucially, restored peace and protected a child. Those who knew him said this case embodied his very nature: brilliant in his craft, unyielding in his pursuit of justice, and deeply compassionate toward the most vulnerable.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom’s colleagues remembered him as a mentor and guide. He poured into young attorneys and paralegals with patience, insisting that excellence in the law meant not only sharp thinking but also integrity and humanity. Though proud of his professional success, Tom acknowledged the weight of difficult decisions, particularly those that affected the lives of employees. He carried this responsibility with humility and empathy.
Outside of his large family and successful career, Tom’s greatest passion was Ole Miss. A constant presence at football, basketball, and baseball games, he always had season tickets in hand, ready to cheer (and sometimes yell) with enthusiasm—and sometimes, disappointment. He especially cherished the games where Ole Miss triumphed over top-ranked Alabama and LSU in football. He was especially proud that all five of his children followed in his footsteps as Rebels, convinced that nothing could surpass the Oxford experience.
Tom instilled in his family a lifelong love for animals. Their home was always filled with dogs, cats, and horses—often more than he had ever anticipated. Tom passionately believed that a life enriched by animals, sports, and education was a well-rounded one, a philosophy he deeply instilled in his children. Across Memphis, from the bleachers of sporting events to the horse show rings, he was a devoted and familiar presence, tirelessly cheering on his children in all their pursuits.
In his final days, Tom fulfilled a cherished hope of his wife, Mary Ann, by being baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. This act completed a spiritual journey he had long intended to make but was prevented from doing so by illness. Even with his declining health and dementia, this spiritual milestone brought profound peace and fulfillment to his family, honoring both his long-held intentions and Mary Ann's heartfelt wish.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to his dedicated caregivers—Felicia, Trina, Rosie, and Nedra—for their compassion, kindness, and unwavering companionship. They are also profoundly grateful to his daughter, Ashlee, whose constant love and devotion over the past eight years allowed him to thrive in the comfort of his family home. Without her steadfast presence, his journey would have been far more difficult. Additionally, thanks are extended to the Baptist Memorial palliative and hospice teams for providing comfort and dignity during Tom’s final days.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Ann; daughters Ashlee Pigford, Hillary (Fran) Rizzi, Erin (Ryan) Rainer, and Lauren (Chad) Abbott; nine grandchildren, Taylor and Simon Rizzi, Presley and Harper Rainer, Michael Nations, Myla and Jackson Murray, Gannon Pigford, and Josephine Abbott; and daughter-in-law Debra Nations. He was preceded in death by his son, Philip Alexander Pigford, his brother Hiram “Sonny” Pigford, and his twin sisters, Jean Carmichael and Jo Ann Beck.
The final arrangements for Tom will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Tom's memory to the University of Mississippi Foundation, the Germantown Charity Horse Show, or WarHorses for Heroes.
Tom will be remembered for his sharp mind, quick wit, unwavering love for his family, and profound devotion to Ole Miss—especially his uncanny ability to always find extra tickets to any and all Ole Miss games. His life leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and joy that will continue to inspire.
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