Clarke County Democrat

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Glover Pugh, 95, of Pell City passed away peacefully October 30, 2020.

Mr. Pugh was born at home in Coffeeville on March 15, 1925 to Mary Bedwell Pugh and Otis Brackett Pugh (who preceded him in death). He graduated from Coffeeville High School in May, 1944 and left the following day to serve in the Army. Mr. Pugh was with the 10th Mountain Infantry and sent to Italy in December, 1944. He suffered a head injury three months later when a shell landed in his foxhole. He was awarded a Purple Heart and returned to the front lines 17 days later. Mr. Pugh was injured again the following month and was hidden by an Italian farmer in his barn until the Infantry was able to reach him behind the enemy lines. He was awarded a 2nd Purple Heart and the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, all before his 20th birthday.

Mr. Pugh received his B. S. Degree from Alabama Polytechnic (Auburn University) where he served on the newspaper and yearbook staffs. He was on the Student Executive Council and co-hosted a farm program on the local radio station. He married his college sweetheart, Virginia Clark, when they graduated in 1949.

Mr. Pugh was Baptist by faith and served as treasurer for eight years at the First Baptist Church in Grand Bay. He was active in community activities and his involvement included Chairman of the Farm Section for the Greater Gulf States Fair in Mobile, President of Athletic Club for Mobile County, President of Irvington Civic Club, President of Grand Bay Civitan Club, President of the Elementary and High School PTA’s in Grand Bay, Red Cross Shelter Manager and Little League Coach. Mr. Pugh was the Past Commander of Purple Heart Post 2202 in Birmingham.

His honors included Who’s Who in American Education and Phi Delta Kappa Honor Fraternity. Mr. Pugh held a Masters of Education from both Auburn University and Alabama A & M, along with a Masters in School Administration from Mississippi Southern, now University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Pugh retired after teaching Agriculture and Shop for 32 years at Theodore and Mobile County High Schools. He was co-owner of Dot’s Wedding Service in Mobile for 15 years. He served as a Sales Rep for Koch Wedding Equipment and Paradise Candles where he continued his enjoyment in the wedding business.

Survivors include his sister Marguerite Garison of Doyline, Louisiana; his children Linda Pugh of Pell City, Sid (Rhonda) Pugh, Huntsville, Rosemary Pugh Gibbs, New Market, Ala., Wayne Pugh, Pell City, Kenneth (Sara) Pugh, Flora, Miss., Jack (Luanne) Pugh, Gurley, Ala, and David Pugh of Helena, Ala. His surviving stepchildren, Patti (Randy) Ramer, Moss Point, Miss., Cathy (Ricky) Faison, Daphne, Paula (Jeffrey) Mallory, Daphne.

Mr. Pugh was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Virginia Clark Pugh, with whom he had six children. He married Dorothy Graham Ford and together they had one son along with raising her four children and his six. They were married 25 years until her death. He moved to Helena, Ala., where he met and married Jimmie Braswell. They were married 13 years until her passing. Mr. Pugh was also preceded in death by his sisters Nonie Bumpers and Louise Johnson, his brothers Albert Gray Pugh and Raymond Pugh and a stepson, Kenny Ford.

Mr. Pugh was Paw Paw to his 27 grandchildren 14 great-grandchildren.

The surviving extended family includes cousins, nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed visiting over the years. Family was an important part of his life. Mr. Pugh has been an Alabama resident of Coffeeville, Irvington, Grand Bay, Helena, Huntsville and Pell City communities.

Active pallbearers were his sons and grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers were Chris Pate, Bruce Pate, Buddy Patterson, Mark Hatchett, Mike Cash, David Gordon. Larry Barnes, Torrey Revel, Doyle James, Gary Tanner, Stormy Spellmeyer, Mickey Sessions, and Neal Howard.

The service was at First Baptist Church of Grand Bay. Interment was in Mobile Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

The family would like to thank the staff and his friends at Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home who provided great care as he enjoyed his final years.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests making a contribution in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. He would be very proud of that.

Radney Funeral Home of Mobile directed.

(44-1tc)

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