Roy Pugh

Roy “Grandaddy” Douglas Pugh, age 81, born June 8, 1944,, passed away on February 2, 2026,, at Northport DCH. An informal gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home from 6pm-7:30pm with a brief memorial to follow. Burial will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Coker Cemetery.

Roy was born the baby of seven siblings and raised in Northport, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his Parents, Johnie L. and Elmer S. Pugh, siblings, and his daughter, Angela “Angie” Rebecca Pugh. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janie Lawrence Pugh and his beloved dog Jessie Girl, Sister, Annie Belle Williams, his children Doug Pugh (Sharon), Mark Pugh (Amy) and Marsha Pugh Bridges (Mark). Grandchildren include Marti Gilmore Sellers (Casey), Roman Pugh (Courtney), Cole and Allie Bridges, Garrett, Gavin and Graceson Pugh. Great Grandchildren Gunnar and Harlan Gilmore, Noah and Taylor Pugh.

Roy was a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School class of 1963. Followed by his time served in the U.S. Army Reserve, Roy began apprenticeship with The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 372 to become a journeyman working at BF Shaw and McAbee Construction. His skills then led him to Shelton State Community College on his own merits where he became a welding instructor in 1987. This path led him to further his education at Athens State College where he received his Bachelor’s degree in education. In addition to his years as an instructor, he also helped Shelton State start a heavy equipment and CDL program. He taught 25 years at Shelton State Community College and retired in 2008. His dedication and professionalism had mentored countless students over the years that became lifelong friends.

If you have ever had the opportunity to spend any time at Yellow Creek with the Pugh family, you were fortunate enough to hear one of his many stories only Roy could tell. He always looked forward to spending his summers at “the cabin”, where he enjoyed fishing, grilling and just spending time with family and friends.

A perfectionist in the best sense, and a man of his word, Roy believed in doing things the right way. Above all, he was a resilient and kind-hearted man who was always the first to offer help. He was a devoted husband, father, grandaddy, brother, uncle and friend, whose strong morals, honesty, and steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His wisdom, work ethic, stories, and love will live on through the generations he helped shape.

Pallbearers are Roman Pugh, Cole Bridges, Garrett Pugh, and Gavin Pugh. Honorary Pallbearers include: Brad Pool, Lynne Vining, Employees of Misc. Metals Fabrications, Ferguson Water, Dr. Phil Hemstreet, Dr. Clint McEntyre, Local 372, Shelton State, Amedisys Home Hospice, and MSU staff Northport DCH. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors, or Tunnels to Towers Foundations.