Donald Lee Pugh Sr.

Donald Lee Pugh Sr. of Orlando, Florida passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born in Fulton Missouri on August 9, 1942. He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandpa (Papaw) and Marine, who loved his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, travelling, fishing, golfing, going to the beach, boating, playing cards, playing slots in Biloxi with his Wife and listening to music. His favorite band was “The Mamas & The Papas”.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when he was 17. He served in the Marine Corps for 22 years and the Marine Corps Reserve for another 8 years.Don served in Vietnam from March 8, 1965, to September 15, 1967. He retired as Master Sergeant in January 1990 obtaining numerous awards throughout his service which included: Presidential Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Silver and Bronze, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal Silver and 2 bronze campaign stars, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle and Pistol Expert Badges.

Don began civilian life working with Tenneco Oil Company where he ran several Stores throughout the southeast. He then moved on to Southland Corporation where he operated several more stores throughout Orlando Florida. While working, he attended Valencia College to obtain his GED.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley Pugh; parents Leonard and Agnes Leggett Pugh, brothers Leonard Pugh Jr. and Timothy Pugh, and sister Marjorie Pugh.

Don is survived by his two sons, Donald Pugh Jr (Monika) and Michael Pugh (Sharon) and daughter, Victoria Pugh Horton (Nathan); brother Jack Pugh (Okyim); grandchildren, Donald Pugh III(Kayla), Austen Horton (Bri), Courtney Horton; sister-in-law Becky Pugh; nieces and nephews James Pugh, Deborah Pugh, Johnny Pugh (Susan), Patti Pugh Holmes, Kasey Pugh, Justin Pugh and David Pugh (Rose); and Great nieces and nephews Amy Glisson (Chris), Sara Calvo (Brandon), Chad Pugh, Tyler Brooks (Brooke), Brandi Pugh, Nicolas Pugh, Alyssa Pugh, Bayleigh Holmes, Carley Calvo, Mason Pugh, Aubree Glisson, Kennedy Pugh, Waylon Glisson, and Avery Brooks.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A visitation will be held on December 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

A graveside service will follow on the same day from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the same location.