Mr. Garey Lynn Pugh

Garey Lynn Pugh was born on February 3, 1968, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Ernest Pugh Jr. and Joyce Faye Brookins. He embraced Christianity in his youth. He excelled academically and athletically, graduating from Trimble Tech High School in 1986 and earning an associate degree in pre-law from Tarrant County College. Furthering his education, he graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 1997 with a bachelor's degree.

Garey started his firefighting journey in 1990. Garey graduated from the Fort Worth Fire Academy with Class 44. For over 34 years, he served with dedication and compassion, rising from firefighter to engineer and finally lieutenant. Garey worked as a swingman at several stations, including 15s, 17s, 19s, 20s, 22s, 36s, and 42s. He also spent a number of years working at the Fire Alarm Dispatch Office. He spent his last years, nearing retirement, at Station 42. His commitment to altruism went far beyond his work, as he actively participated in community service with the Fire Public Education Division, administering the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic, working at health fairs, feeding the homeless, and offering medical support during parades.

In addition to his firefighting career, he graduated from the police academy in 2012, where he received his Peace Officer License. Beyond his work as a first responder, Garey was also an entrepreneur, owning a number of companies, including moving and trucking services.

As a member of the African American Firefighters Reaching Out organization (AAFRO), Garey contributed significantly to advocating for minority fire personnel. Garey was a passionate motorcycle rider and part of the 287 Cruiser organization. He was also an active Mason at Fort Worth's Masonic Lodge 75.

Garey married Jacquelyn Pugh in 1994, welcoming Alaina and Langston Pugh into the world. Though the marriage ended in divorce,he later remarried in 2013 to Shanta Malone. At the time of his passing, Garey was unmarried.

Garey is survived by his three children: Alaina and Langston Pugh, and Damian Carr; his two grandchildren, Elyssia Jonell Carr and Adarien Dinwiddie Pugh; and his siblings

Donna Corbett and Danny Pugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Pugh Jr. and Joyce Faye Brookins, his brothers Paul Pugh and David Pugh, and his sister, Stephanie Pugh Bunn. He will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.