George L. Pugh II

George Lacy Pugh II, of Decatur, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

George was born in Brownsville, TN, the son of George L. Pugh Sr. and Eva Nell (Fry) Pugh.

George united in holy matrimony with Carla (Tyus) Pugh, and to this union, two children were born.

He was educated in the Decatur Public School system and was a graduate of Eisenhower High School. He graduated from Western University with a teaching degree.

George worked for District 61 as a teacher at Woodrow Wilson and many other schools, then he completed his teaching at Thomas Jefferson Middle School until his retirement.

He was deeply involved in sports throughout his school years. Then, while teaching, he was a coach for wrestling, football, and track, among other events.

He was a Christian believer and a lifetime member of New Salem Baptist Church, along with many family members.

George was always willing to learn. He loved fishing, shopping, and playing all sports. He would travel to destinations weather he knew the way or not. He loved spending time with his family and friends, nieces, nephews, and those who all brought him much joy.

George leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Carla Pugh of over 50 years, his son, Lacy Pugh III, his daughter Lorita Pugh, and his granddaughter, Jasmine McCraige, all of Decatur. He also leaves two sisters, Sylvia Reed, and Annette (Charlie) Crawford, both of Decatur, one brother, Johnny (Joy) of Sandiago, CA, he leaves 3 nephews, Michael (Jody) Goodwin, Jermaine Pugh, James Reed Jr.; 3 nieces, Shamarra Crawford, Autumn (Terry) Pugh, Tia Pugh of TN; as well as a host of great nieces, nephews, family and great friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one brother, William Pugh, one nephew, Johnny Henry Pugh, one brother-in-law, James Reed Sr., and mother and father-in-law, O.V. and Lorine Tyus.