Howard Holman Pugh

HUNTSVILLE — "The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." II Timothy Chapter 4 (NIV) On November 14, 1916, Howard Holman Pugh was born in Calhoun County, Alabama. On December 6, 2009, he went on from this earthly life to claim his crown of righteousness. Mr. Pugh graduated from Oxford High School in 1934. Following his time of service to his country during World War II he attended Jacksonville State University. Mr. Pugh served his country with honor under General George Patton. He was a combat veteran of the European Theater where he spent four Christmases away from his family and loved ones. He attained the rank of S/Sgt. And during his career he received many combat ribbons and decorations including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for wounds he received during battle. Howard will be greeted in Heaven by his wife of more than 50 years, Annie Mae Blount Pugh. He is survived by his son, Frank E. Pugh (Sarah), of Gadsden and daughter, Jessica Ann Hudson (Mark), of Huntsville. His grandchildren are John Pugh (Celeste), of Hokes Bluff, Daniel Pugh (Rachel), of Gadsden, David Martin (Heather), of Anniston and Amy Martin Adams (David), of Ohatchee, and John Watson (Michaele), of New Berm, N.C. His legacy also includes seven great-grandchildren. At the time of his death, Mr. Pugh was residing in the Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville. He had enjoyed five years of fairly good health there and participated in holiday activities, military programs, bingo and weekly gospel jubilee services. He loved watching Alabama football games and cheering his beloved Crimson Tide on to victory. He also enjoyed Atlanta Braves baseball and attended at least one game each year for the last several years. Mr. Pugh's gentle, humble spirit and servant's heart made him a favorite of the nurses and staff at the veteran's home who serves some of America's greatest and bravest men and women. While residing at the Veteran's home Mr. Pugh was privileged to participate in the second Honors Flight from Huntsville to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial. He considered this honor as one of the very best days of his life. Mr. Pugh was a member of Plum Springs Baptist Church while living in Calhoun County. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at Anniston Memorial Funeral Home with the Reverend Larry Moore, of the Plum Springs Baptist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be David Martin, David Adams, John Pugh, Daniel Pugh, and John Watson. Honorary pallbearers will be the "Tut" Fann Veteran's Home who tirelessly showered Mr. Pugh with kindness, love and gentle care for the duration of his stay. Above all else, Howard Pugh was a kind, good man who put everyone else first, ahead of his own dreams, wishes and goals. He set a Godly example for his friends, family and everyone he chanced to meet from the beginning of his life until the end. Titus 2: 7-8 sums up his belief. "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." This Christmas season gives all believers reason to rejoice at the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the homecoming celebration of his faithful servant, Howard Homan Pugh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to the Gideon's Memorial Bible Fund, P.O. Box 2802, Gadsden, Ala. 35903. Anniston Memorial Funeral Home 3865 US Hwy 431 North Anniston, Ala. 36206 256-820-0024