COMMERCE – William Douglas Pugh, 88, entered into rest on Monday, November 24, 2014.
Born in Buford on July 2, 1926, he was the son of the late William Wesley Pugh and Eunice Pugh. He was a graduate of Buford High School and drafted into the Army in October 1944. He joined the war with the 94th Infantry Division in Germany in February 1945. He served in the Rhineland, in Central Europe, and later under General Patton in the 3rd Army. He also served as a guard during the Nuremburg Trials and received his discharged on August 7, 1946. Mr. Pugh earned the Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars, and a Good Conduct Medal.
After his military service, Mr. Pugh worked for Burrell’s Supermarket in Buford for 30 years and later for J&J Foods in Gainesville for over 20 years.
Mr. Pugh was preceded in death by his wife, Noama Niven Pugh; a sister, Opal Martinez; brother, Richard Pugh and step children, Paula Niven Hardy, Sunny Niven McDonald, and Ronald Paul Niven.
Survivors include brothers, Bud Pugh, Suwanee, and Jimmy Pugh, Lawrenceville; step daughter, Candy Niven O’Kelley, Rockmart. and her husband, Herschel; sons-in-law, Charles L. Hardy, Jr., Commerce, and Lauren W. (Bubba) McDonald, Jr., Clarkesville; grandchildren, Tracey Hardy Newcomer, Charles L. Hardy, III (Sabrina), Ellen Hardy Shea (Peter), Lauren W. McDonald, III (Claire), and Tiffany Niven; as well as nine great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville on Wednesday, November 26, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Carlton Allen, Pastor of Commerce First Baptist Church, will be officiating.
McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming, is in charge of the arrangements.