William ‘Bill’ Eugene Pugh, 73, lived in Jacksonville, FL., passed away on Sunday, 08/27, from complications related to COPD and COVID-19. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Jake Pugh, Sr., and Mercedes Emig Pugh; two brothers: Jake Pugh, Jr., and John Michael ‘Mike’ Pugh. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Betty Ruth Baird Pugh; three daughters: Tracy Charlene Rigney, Tina Michele Mochowski (Richard), and Billie Jo ‘BJ’ Pugh; three grandchildren: Audrey Renee Rigney, Emma Caroline Pugh, and Thaddeus William Mochowski; three sisters: Martha Cagle (Rick), Janet Samson, and Sr. Susan Pugh, plus many cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Bill was born in Jacksonville, FL., on 04/13/1950. He graduated from Paxon High School, C/O 1968. In high school, he ran track and was often seen pole vaulting down Cain Lane. He served 11 years in the US Navy on nuclear submarines, as a Radioman. He retired from the US Postal Service in October 2008, after a long career, spanning 30 years, as a Mail Clerk & a Dock Clerk; also, served as a Chief Shop Steward with American Postal Workers Union, to his colleagues. He served in various positions on the board, his favorite being Secretary to his Union Brothers & Sisters.
Bill married Betty in Jacksonville, FL., on February 12, 1971. They raised their three daughters in Jacksonville. Bill was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. Bill devoted himself to his family, along with his wife, Betty, hosted annual Family Reunions and enjoyed coordinating many other family gatherings over the years. They moved to Lake City, FL., after retiring and resided on the Pugh Family Farm for 10 years. Bill enjoyed his time on the tractor-dredging driveways, mowing fields, or just blazing trails by clearing brush. He was talented at woodworking, welding, and making all kinds of things in his workshop. Declining health made it difficult to maintain the property; thus, brought him back to Jacksonville to be with his girls, in 2019. He enjoyed playing games on his computer and watching movies with family.
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, 09/07 @ 11am, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church 1773 Blanding Blvd., Jax., FL., 32210, Father Saju Mathew with Deacon George Good presiding. Bill will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Thursday, 09/07, @ 2:30pm. There will be a Visitation on Wednesday evening, 09/06 from 6pm – 8pm, at Fraser Funeral Home 8168 Normandy Blvd., Jax., FL., 32221. All Funeral arrangements are being directed by Fraser Funeral Home.
St. Matthews Catholic Church
Jacksonville National Cemetery
Fraser Funeral Home
Cynthia Mochowski
August 28, 2023, 7:06 pm
I am sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers. Cynthia Mochowski
Richard Gainey
August 28, 2023, 7:28 pm
The Paxon Class of 1968 shares in your sorrow. Our thoughts are with the family.
Trudy A Baird
August 28, 2023, 9:08 pm
You were the BEST brother-in-law in the World, Bill Pugh! My heart is broken with your passing. Thank you for blessing my dear sister, Betty, by being a wonderful, loving, caring, devoted husband, and for giving her( and all of us) your three beautiful daughters, Tracy, Tina, and B.J. And they, in turn, blessed you and Betty with three wonderful, beautiful, amazing grandchildren, Audrey, Emma, and Thaddeus. Love is forever. We will miss you and will love you forever.
Pam Martin
August 28, 2023, 11:44 pm
Another Cain Lane kid, has gone to heaven! RIp
Lori Palisoc
August 29, 2023, 8:28 am
I have memories of Bill when I would come over to see Tina at Country Creek. I remember thinking what a great dad he was and how much all of his girls loved him. It was so was so easy to feel all of the love he n that sweet family. Sending this sweet family all of my love and prayers.
Mike and Darlene Robinson
August 29, 2023, 8:57 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. You guys were great neighbors on Camp Milton. Bill was a big help to me building my gazebo over my pool deck. Couldn’t have done it without him.
Antonija Valjevac
August 29, 2023, 11:13 am
My deepest condolences, Tina. Antonija Valjevac.
Lona Hofstad
August 31, 2023, 9:09 pm
Janet and Betty so sorry to hear of Bill’ s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your and family. Lona Alligood Hofstad
Steve Glaser
September 1, 2023, 10:39 am
Bill was a good and well respected Union Steward. R.I.P.
Ginger Yates
September 2, 2023, 12:33 pm
Bill was a great person to work with. My experience was related to being a shop steward. He was my boss being the chief shop steward. He had the greatest patience with me as I was such a newbie. Bill taught me how to use the computer, never touched one before. I know he thought the world of his family & I’m saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to Betty & family.
Tim & Nancy White
September 2, 2023, 6:21 pm
Bill you and Betty were the best friends to me and Tim We are going to miss you lot RIP my friend
Gayle Day
September 5, 2023, 1:03 pm
Dear Betty Ruth and family, sending love and condolences to you all. Bill was always the life of the party!! Great memories we all have shared together over the years. Love you all, Gayle, John, allen and marie.
Jackie Flint
September 6, 2023, 9:34 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tina and her family, may Bill rest in peace. Sending you all of our love.
Susan whaley
September 6, 2023, 6:49 pm
Love and prayers to you all. We loved Bill and he was such a wonderful man. He will be dearly missed. Love, Aunt Edye, Susan and family.