Robert Leslie Pillow, Sr. passed on to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Saturday Feb. 21, 2015 in the comfort of his home in Greenwood, MS at the age of 91.

Bob Pillow was born to Helen Durden and Walter Reese Pillow on March 2nd, 1924 as the youngest of six. He attended Greenwood High School where he excelled on the football field, earning Most Valuable Player his senior year. The following year at only 17, he carried the football for the 1941 Mississippi State Bulldogs at the position of fullback. After one year at MSU, he enrolled in the Naval Officer Training School, but continued to display his talents on the gridiron at Louisiana Lafayette during his officer training. Bob answered the call to action in 1942, and served in the South Pacific. His fleet was scheduled to attack Tokyo Harber, but fortunately the war ended beforehand.

He returned home to Mississippi where he finished his degree in Agriculture at Mississippi State University. He married Mary Ann Critz in April of 1945, and began farming with his brother Bill Pillow. He started his own farming operation a few years later.

Bob was an active member in the community and promoted education in Greenwood. As one of the founding members of Pillow Academy, Bob could often be found cheering the Mustangs on from the stands as they played the sport he so loved. When he wasn't working or watching football, Bob could be found hunting and fishing with his close friends. His exceptional skills in outdoor sports earned him the nickname The Coach by those who ventured out with him. He entertained many with his stories of catching Silver Salmon in the streams of Alaska or of fighting sailfish in the Atlantic.

Mr. Pillow farmed until 1990, but was not slowed in his years of retirement. He remained active in the community through organizations such as the Greenwood Investment Club, the Lions Club, and the Mississippi Republican Party. If you drove down Wilson Avenue on a February day, you would see a Cotton Ball Banner hanging on the front door.

The only thing that Bob loved more than his community was his family and his faith. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He was adored by his family who regarded him as a role model of character and deed. Pappa, as he was affectionately called by his loved ones, was blessed with longevity. He was predeceased by his parents, five siblings, and wife Mary Ann.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed the company, adoration, and affection of his closest companion, Jeffie Chatham who shared his devotion to The Greenwood Church of the Nativity, the community, and Mississippi Sports. He is survived and held in loving memory by Jeffie, his children, Durden Moss [Jim] of Jackson, Julie Crosthwait [Jimmy] of Flowood, Bob Pillow, Jr. [Linda] of Madison. His grandchildren are Mary Ann Darsey [Damon] of Jackson, Helen Marshall [Scott] of Jackson, Jimbo Moss [Britney] of Jackson, Vaiden Clark [Lanier] of Jackson, Robert Clark [Ashley] of Oxford, Jane Critz Pillow of Jackson, and Rob Pillow III of Oxford.

The family would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Mike Boler and his dedicated care givers Tonia Stephens, Luella Donely, Andrea Mims, and Pat Westerfield.

Visitation is on Wednesday, February 25 at 1p.m. at The Church of the Nativity in Greenwood, MS with the service following at 2 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be sent to The Church of the Nativity, Pillow Academy or charity of your choice.