Johnny M. Pilgrim
1948 – 2020
Johnny M. Pilgrim, 71, of Snyder died Sunday, May 3, 2020.
A memorial service for Mr. Pilgrim will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Family Funeral Home.
Johnny was born in Pittsburg on July 17, 1948, to Buddy and Marie Pilgrim. He attended school in Snyder, where he met his wife, Jeanie, the love of his life. Johnny joined the Marines at the age of 17 and served two tours in Vietnam. Between his two tours, Johnny took military leave and he and Jeanie married on March 15, 1968. In 1970, the pair welcomed their first child, Michelle. Sons Brad and Mark were born in 1973 and 1975.
He was an incredibly hardworking man, wearing many hats over the years. Johnny left active duty in 1969 and continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves until 1989. He served many years on the Snyder Fire Department, both as a paid firefighter and as a volunteer. As part of his EMT training, he did his clinicals in the E.R. at Cogdell Hospital with his daughter. Johnny taught for many years as the Diesel Mechanics Instructor at Western Texas College. He also worked many years in the west Texas oilfields as a safety man. A man of great faith, Johnny was a member of the 37th Street Church of Christ in Snyder.
In his spare time, Johnny enjoyed working on restoring his Cushman scooters, riding motorcycles and camping. One of his favorite pastimes was playing with his grandchildren and building them custom playhouses. He was also a skilled writer, and often wrote short stories and poetry.
We will dearly miss his sense of humor and his unconditional love.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; and by his brother, Larry.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years; his children, Michelle and her husband, Jason, Brad and his wife, Kristine, and Mark and his wife, Stacy; and grandchildren Kimberly and husband, Rodger, Jordan and husband, Connor, Will, James, Tori and Lilly. Johnny is also survived by his sisters, Charlotte, Faitha, Sue and Sheila.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the Snyder Fire Department or the Big Spring Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.