Carl William Pugh

Carl William Pugh, 88, of Salem, passed peacefully to eternal life with his heavenly father on Sunday, October 30, 2011. He was born on October 8, 1923 in Salem. Carl served his country in the European Theater during World War II in the 9th Army Air Force receiving three battle stars for the Invasion of Normandy, Northern France Campaign, and the Battle of Rhineland. Upon his return home in 1946, Carl married Ruby Mae Bohon of Marshall Virginia. They had two sons, Carl William, Jr. and Archie Dean, and thru their dedication to each other celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage. Carl began his career on the Norfolk & Western Railway in 1948 during the spectacular days of steam engine locomotives. He worked on passenger rail service and coal locomotives including all of Roanokes big 3 engines until they ceased to run in 1960. He ended his career with the Norfolk Southern as the Yardmaster of the Roanoke Terminal after 39 years of service. Carl had a special love of family and friends and always greeted you with a smile on his face and a laugh soon to follow. His faith and love of God was an important and active part of his life. He attended Bethel Baptist Church for 40 years and later moved to First United Methodist Church. He was active in both congregations and cherished the friendships he found at church. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph William and Lura Ellen Dehart; and 4 sisters, Bonnie, Doris, June, and Carma Ruth. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruby; sons, Carl William, Jr. and wife, Debbie, and Archie Dean and wife, Carrie; grandchildren, Josh, Luke and wife, Tara, Ashlyn, and Carson; great-grandchildren, Dutch, Ava, and Dylan; and one brother, Bill Pugh of Blue Ridge. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff of the Salem Rescue Squad, Carilion Hospital, Penny Tate and Carilion Home Health Care, Dr. Joseph Austin and staff, and Dr. William HDoubler and staff for their wonderful care and support. The family will greet friends on Friday, November 4, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Services will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church at 125 West Main Street in Salem VA 24153 or to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation at PO Box 77 in Bedford, VA 24523. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.johnmoakey.com. The Pugh family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem, 540-389-5441.