It's been almost 2 years now.  I was playing GeoGuessr today and thought of Stephen.  For those that don't know, he was incredible at this game.  You could show him a dirt road on Google maps and he could guess the country.  Would love to talk with him again.

Seeing him every morning before school/work, without fail, kept my son & I going for over a decade. His presence every morning represented true freedom & happiness in this marathon called LIFE. He will always be an icon in my household.

For Patrick Lanham… we will all remember Steve.

Steve was a brilliant and kindhearted man who will be remembered with love all over Athens.  My husband Bill and I both knew Steve longer than we have known each other; this is heartbreaking.  I will always miss his conversation and myriad interests, from music to martial arts.  God rest his soul.



God Bless Stephen and his family. Only knew him in passing but always spoke to him. He was a kind human being.
Andrew M. Brown

I only knew Steve in passing, but every interaction with him was pleasant. I used to live on Carr's Hill and would see him pass by at least twice a day. I remember one morning while I was on my front porch, he passed a lady walking her dog. He got down to pet it and smiled SO big! He petted the dog for a couple minutes and then they went on their way. It's the simple things, like stopping to pet an animal that gives you joy that he seemed to have figured out. Athens will not be the same without him. 

Steve was a good friend. I can still see his great smile, hear his laugh, feel his sense of humor, see the strands of his (at times) long blonde hair dancing across his forehead in the wind, and his determined look. He was a kind soul that would truly listen and be honest in his conversation. You knew he cared to be there with you if you were in his company. He was incredibly contemplative, witty, smart, and hilarious. 

I knew Steve pretty well. Like many in Athens, I'd first seen him on his daily walks around town. I'd run into him from time-to-time, and would chat with him briefly, getting to know him casually. However, it wasn't until working with Food Not Bombs that I truly got to know him. 

We shared a lot of time together over meals and at the Really Really Free Market. Steve was always there to help out with things. I learned a lot from him about life and how to live. Steve helped me in more ways than he'll ever know. I wish I could've told him that. I also wish that he could've met my now three year old. I wish he were still here. I wish.

We lost touch and I saw him around town from a distance, but was never able to reach him. I'm devastated by his loss. I can confidently say on behalf of those involved with FNB, we all are. To Steve's family and friends, I extend my deepest sympathies and love.

Steve, I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, but I hope that wherever you are, that we can share a meal, a laugh, and a good conversation again. Please save a plate for me (definitely not spaghetti, if we can avoid it 😂). 

I love and miss you,

Joel

Steve was a wonderful human being and he will be missed by so many. He was always so kind to my family and I.  I really can't believe he's gone and am so grateful for the hundreds of conversations we got to have.  I wish I had a picture of him to remember him better so if anyone has one to share it would be greatly appreciated.

God bless Stephen and his entire family. I’m so sorry for the tragic loss. 
 God is still good even in the midst of this. I pray for peace in the hearts of those who are effected. 
Much love ❤️ to you all 

I did not know this man personally however he was one of those individuals that you would see so very often. He always seemed so disgusted and motivated. I believe I speak for the entire city of Athens when I say that this man was without a doubt an icon and arguably one of the most famous men in Athens.

Stephen was a friend. I hoped we would meet again someday and talk.. He was very kind to me when I was young and naive. I’m so sorry he is no longer here. Peace be with you, my friend.


I often saw Steve walking around Athens and about a week before Christmas--just a few days before he died--I gave him my holiday greetings when I saw him on his walk. He wished me happy holidays at the time. I'm sorry I will not see him again. He was a good man who was much loved here in Athens.

OBITUARY

Stephen James Pugh

April 20, 1955 – December 22, 2021

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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