Longtime Meridian Little Theatre director, Jimmy Pigford, has died at age 80.

Pigford was in his 50th and final year as director of MLT. He announced his upcoming retirement last year and this was his last season.

Pigford suffered a fall Jan. 29 and died Monday at Rush Hospital in Meridian from complications following surgery.

Pigford enjoyed a Hollywood career in his early life but returned home decades ago to lead MLT.

The secretary of Meridian Little Theatre, Stacey Pounders, says Pigford already had everything ready for his next big production, "steel Magnolias", starting Feb. 21 at MLT. She says the show will go on as planned.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Visitation is Wednesday night and the funeral is Thursday.