Richard Gerald Coghlan

Richard Gerald Coghlan 1954 - 2025 Richard Gerald Coghlan, 71 of McComb, passed away on July 26, at SMRMC.

He was born on March 28, 1954, in McComb, to Benjamin F. Coghlan and Helen Dillon Coghlan.

Richard graduated from McComb High School and immediately began his career at McComb Fire Department as a probationary firefighter at the young age of 18. He remained there for 23 years,and he held many ranks within the department until he reached the pinnacle of Fire Chief. After he retired as Chief in 1995, he continued to protect his community as the Pike County Civil Defense/Emergency Management Director for another 29 years until his retirement in March of 2024. For more than 50 years he led and protected the community from countless fires, storms and other emergencies. When he wasn’t serving his community, he could be foundtelling stories and drinking coffee with his buddies at McComb Market, hunting, fishing, watching a softball game or traveling with the love of his life, Rita.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and 1 brother, Benjamin Coghlan IV (Bubby).

Survivors include his loving wife of 18 years, Rita; 3 daughters, Tasha Coghlan Huhn (Kyle), Priscilla Coghlan Craft (Derek), and Chastity Burnette (Wes); 2 sons, Dave Parks (Ashley) and Darrell Parks; 1 sister, Susan Glennis (C.V.); 1 brother Wayne Coghlan (Debbie); and 1 brother-in-law, Arvin Givens.

He had 9 grandchildren, Chipper Blanco, Brianna Pol (Noah), Hunter Craft, Austin Craft (Kate), Abby Burnette, Bailey, Dusty, Ashley and Emily Parks, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Pallbearers were Donnie Hodges, Carl Wayne Dunaway, David Fischer, Matt Williamson, Stephen Adams, Chris Smith, Donavon Peters and Jakur Franklin. All the McComb Fire Department past and present served as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation was held on July 29, at First Baptist Church of McComb from 5PM 8PM and July 30, from 9AM until service at 10AM with burial in Hollywood Cemetery. Dr. David Millican and Dr. Jim Bradford did officiate the service, Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb will be in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to personally thank the McComb Fire Department for their heroic efforts, love and support on that dreadful morning. Your true example of a brotherhood will never be forgotten.