David Pugh

1968 - 2021

David Pugh
January 9, 1968 - September 8, 2021
Fresno, California - David Patrick Pugh passed away on September 8, 2021, with his wife Jennifer at his side.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts to Chevis and Joseph Pugh on January 9, 1968, David spent his early years with his brother Joseph A. Pugh in Akron, Ohio. David was a tremendous athlete and academic, and beloved by his classmates. After graduating high school, he attended college at Miami of Ohio University. In 1989, David moved to Fresno, CA to continue his education at Fresno State University before beginning his career as a correctional officer for Fresno County. He soon met Cindi Davis on a dance floor and the two fell in love. They married and he became father to Cindi's young daughter, Crishuana, and soon after welcomed son Cameron in 1991.
David had always had an inclination for inspiring and educating others, which led him to earn his bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Fresno State. He began teaching English Language Arts where he developed a teaching environment all his own. David loved his classroom and quickly found his home at Ahwahnee Middle School. His innovation in the classroom earned him a nomination for teacher of the year from Fresno Unified School District. It would be a rare evening out when someone wouldn't recognize Mr. Pugh, and he is still remembered fondly to this day.
David and Cindi opened their house to any and all children that needed their help. The Pugh household continued to grow as they cared for foster children and adopted Cameron and Crishuana's best friends. There was never a dull moment, whether it was family vacations, trips to the Property, or just enjoying the swimming pool on a summer day. During this time, the couple officially adopted their daughter Victorea Pugh. It was also during this time that David adopted what would continue to be his favorite role: "Papa David".
In 2012, David met his second wife Jennifer at a celebration in Las Vegas and they married in 2014. The couple made their home first in Texas before returning to Fresno where they continued to build their new lives together. David's role as Papa continued to grow as his children blessed him with more grandchildren. Jennifer and David remained happily married until David lost his battle with cancer on September 8, 2021.
David is survived by: his wife Jennifer; mother Chevis; brother Joseph and his wife Janet; adoptive parents Gene and Bonnie; son Cameron and his wife Leslie; sons Vaughn and Charles; daughters Crishuana, Deena, and Victorea; step-daughter Stephanie, Melissa, and Megan; nieces Tiana and Analese; and his many grandchildren: Grayson, Brighton, Kendall, Karma, Kaliyah, Kaylynn, Kamiyah, Kavayah, Cristin, Nolan, Aiden, Jackson, Elijah, and Landon.