He was born on December 17, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois. He was a twin and one of four children. At the age of 8, his mother passed away and he began spending his summers in South Dakota with relatives. Several times he traveled alone by train, changing trains twice on the way. He fell in love with South Dakota and his family there (and would make many trips back in his adult life). When back home during the school year, he and his sisters were taken care of by his aunts.
Upon graduating from Proviso High School, he served in the Army during the Korean War as a Supply Sergeant. He was so good at what he did that his commanding officer wanted him to reenlist. When his fiancé found out about this, she gave him a choice: either the army or her. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are happy he made the right choice. He married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis, on March 26, 1955. They began their life together in Bensenville, IL. On December 31st in 1958, their son, Gregory George was born. Two years later, Nancy Helen joined the family on December 18th. In 1967, they moved across town. Since the White Pines Golf Course was across the street, George and his children spent many days walking the course or practicing putting.
His first job was working for the Maywood Office Supply Store in Shiller Park as a typist (which is why he ended up working with supplies in the Army). When he returned from the Army, he took a job with Aluminum Company of America as a sorter/collator operator when computer technology was in its infancy. He also worked for Richardson Company and, later, Waltham Watch/Hallmark Jewelry as the Director of Data Processing. When he and his wife moved to Pennsylvania, in 1986, he took a job selling RVs for a bit.
George was a man who never met a stranger and was truly interested in the lives of others. He also organized everything. Active in his church, a favorite memory was the Easter morning breakfast after the sunrise service where he made sure there was plenty of hot, scrambled eggs. He was a deacon and sang in the choir for over 20 years. He participated on the board of the Bensenville Park District and coordinated the July 4th celebration at the White Pines golf course for several years. He was also a member of the Kiawanis Club and spent many years raising money on street corners while giving away peanuts. He loved to add to the fun by playing the stump fiddle and spoons with the Kiawanis Club band, and he and his wife were always clowns in the town parades.
George loved to camp and fish! He and Phyllis started their camping life in a tent, then moved to a pop-up camper, and eventually graduated to larger Class C RV’s. He added to campfire sing-alongs with his guitar. Two of his favorite songs were “Mom and Dad’s Waltz” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” In their retirement years, George and his wife traveled to visit family and friends. Over twenty summers were enjoyed camping in Branson, MO. Going to visit “Grandma and Grandpa” in the RV was a highlight for each of the grandchildren and other relatives. Other favorite camping destinations included Colorado, South Dakota, South Carolina, and Illinois.
He loved his children and did everything he possibly could to support them. From installing two different pools and an ice skating rink in the backyard, to attending every choir, band, speech, and sporting event, to chaperoning trips when needed, he was there. He always wanted his children to bring their friends home and spend time at their house. In later years, he even loved working crafts shows with his grown daughter.
George was a devoted husband to his wife, Phyllis, and one of their favorite things to do together was dance. When they entered that dance floor, they owned it. He emitted such a coolness in the way he glided them across the dance floor. Once they retired, they moved to Lake Griffin Harbour, in Leesburg, Florida. They did everything together--from hanging out at Disney World to round dancing, square dancing, and shopping the weekly flea markets. Again, he was involved in planning the 4th of July celebrations for many years, managing bingo events, and organizing talent shows. He bought a pontoon boat and enjoyed taking his family and friends out for adventures on the lake (with the many huge alligators), and he loved fishing with both of his grandsons.
George was a great husband, father, father-in-law, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and godfather.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Phyllis (Gallas) Pugh; his sisters, Charlotte Snyder, Genevieve Halffield, and twin sister Norma Beck; and his parents Charles Henry and Ruth (Anderson) Pugh.
George is survived by his son, Gregory Pugh and his wife, Erin; his daughter, Nancy Estelle and her husband, Rudy; his grandson, Daniel Pugh and his wife, Katherine; his granddaughter, Tiffany Brannen and her husband, Dan; his granddaughter, Sela Estelle; his grandson, Jonathan Estelle; and is great-grandchildren: Sophi Brannen, Addison Brannen, Lillianna Brannen, Ivan Pugh, and Levi Pugh.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Pugh family.
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