UTICA — Robert Gerald “Pete” Bufkin died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was 62.

Pete was a lifelong resident of Utica and was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. He had many hobbies, which included fishing, hunting and riding horses. Pete also loved spending time with his grandchildren and was known to everyone for his “sharp shooting.“ He was a member of Pipefitter Local No. 619.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Edward and Rosa Belle Moody Bufkin; and a brother, Billy Bufkin. He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Grace D. Bufkin of Utica; three daughters, Christie Denley and husband Clark and LeAnne Morgan and husband Mark, both of Utica, and Carey Bufkin Howell and husband Darrell Kirtfield of Vicksburg; three brothers, Percy Bufkin of Jackson, Jimmy Bufkin of Shreveport, La., and Jesse Bufkin of Madison; three sisters, Lorraine Oberhousen of Raymond and Marie Blush and Catherine Weems, both of Jackson; and grandchildren, Courtney Bufkin, Curtis Bufkin, Caitlyn Denley, Rainey Morgan and Starr Baby Morgan.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 16, 2011, at Utica Baptist Church with the Rev. Rocky Henriques officiating, assisted by the Rev. Harvey Bates. Interment followed at the Salem Cemetery in Learned under the direction of Glenwood Funeral Home. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church.

Pallbearers were Lamar Cook, David Robinson, Jamey Henderson, Ronnie Bufkin, Bubba Bufkin and Rickey Nelson.

Honorary pallbearers were Randy Martin, Brad Oberhousen, Tommy Moody, Tim Moody, Jamey Bryant and the members of Local No. 619.