Obituary of MSG Homer Releford

MSG Homer Lee “Bob” Releford, US Air Force Ret., 93, husband of the late Doris Faye Strickland, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Mr. Releford was born at home in Eubank, KY during the depths of the Great Depression to the late James “Jim” Releford and Dorothy Myrtle Dick Releford.  The family home had no running water or electricity.  Bob grew up in one of the poorest counties in Kentucky.

Bob left home at the age of 17 to join the Air Force and traveled the world.  He was stationed in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Okinawa - just to name a few.  He attained the rank of Master Sergeant with 25 years of service.  His specialty or MOS was Instruments and Electronics.  He served in the Occupation of Japan after WW2 and was a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam.  He was awarded a Bronze Star for his participation in rescuing a downed pilot during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Bob worked at Fairway Ford for 10 years as an electronics guru.  He retired from Fairway Ford in 1985 and then pursued his passions: piddling and afternoon naps.  Piddling consisted of building PVC pipe furniture, constructing a small workshop, cutting grass, pulling weeds, tinkering with cars and planting hundreds of azaleas in his yard.

He loved gadgets and power tools and was always buying new ones for his piddling projects.

Surviving are three sons, Britt Releford, Keith Releford with wife Linda, and Mike Pittman with wife Jan; a daughter-in-law, Dortlies Releford; ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by two sons, Kevin Releford and Tommy R. Pittman, Jr.; a daughter, Sherri Adair; and three sisters, Arlie Releford, Christine York and Betty Galloway.

A graveside service, with full military honors, will begin at 1 o’clock Friday at Cannon Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.