Richard Lavaughn Pugh

Richard L. Pugh passed away at home January 26, 2016, following a battle with cancer.  Richard was born in Anniston, AL, on December 7, 1954, to Lavaughn and Bettye Pugh.  His family moved to Charlotte, NC, when he was 12 years old; thus, he always felt he was a native Charlottean.  Alabama always had a special place in his heart however . . . “Roll Tide!!”

Richard and his wife Debbie met at the Capri Theater where they both worked as teenagers.  She was the box office girl, and he was the doorman.  It was there that they began what would become a 42-year relationship filled with enough memories and love to cherish for a lifetime.  Anyone who knew either of them or saw them together knew what they had was special.

Richard’s greatest cause for pride were his children Adam and Shelley.  He would beam when he talked about them.  His love for them was evident to all.  Not only was their connection one of father and child but one of friendship as well. 

Richard retired from BellSouth on August 1, 2006 with 30 years of service.  After retirement, he graduated from barber school and later on, from pet grooming school.  He then worked for a catering company for 4 years and finally found a job he truly loved at Mint Hill Tool Rental.  During the 3 years he worked there part-time, he loved going to work and interacting with his co-workers and the various customers he would encounter each day.

Richard’s favorite past time was traveling.  He and his wife, as well as family and friends, would take trips to various places.  It just lit up his world to see and do new things.  Richard was a simple man.  He loved the Lord and wasn’t afraid to show it.  He loved his family.  He loved animals.  He loved his friends.  He was a walking book of knowledge.  He seemed to know something about everything, even if it were just a little.

Richard is survived by his wife Debbie; children Adam and Shelley; his sweet granddaughter Molly, who is due in June; his future daughter-in-law Rachel, whom he loved dearly; his future son-in-law Adam, whom he would have handpicked himself for his daughter; his brother Randall Pugh and his wife Jan, whom Richard considered as his sister, and their children Susannah and Christopher. And last but not least, Zeus, Molly, Oliver, Jack, JD, Sam, Liza and Callie, who brought him much joy each and every day with their love and antics.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC, officiated by Dr. Joe B. Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to “Tri-County Animal Rescue”, 3326 Al Hager Lane, Iron Station, NC  28080.

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