Derrick Lamont Pugh

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, at Crawford Long Hospital on October 4, 1973, he was the proud baby boy of Shirley and Johnny Pugh. Derrick grew up in Decatur, Georgia, attending Wadsworth Elementary and graduating from Columbia High School, where he played football and spent his youth playing Little League baseball at Belvedere Park. He was a member of Columbia Drive United Methodist Church.

Following high school, Derrick attended Alabama A&M University on a full athletic scholarship, proudly playing defensive end (#44) for the Bulldogs. In 1996, he crossed into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as part of the "21 Signs of the Time" line, graduating with an Engineering degree in 1997. Immediately following graduation, Derrick founded Derrick Pugh Incorporated. As a self-made entrepreneur, he dedicated 29 years to building his business from the ground up, creating countless opportunities for subcontractors and community businesses to thrive. Though the road brought challenges, his grit and faith allowed him to persevere and truly enjoy the fruits of his hard work.

Known to be quiet and reserved at first, those close to Derrick knew his sharp wit, sense of humor, and heart of gold. He found his greatest joy in his "5-Fs": faith, family, fraternity, football, and his fleet. He was fiercely devoted to his family and will be forever smiled upon for his favorite all-purpose expression, "Damn."

Derrick was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Johnny Pugh, and his nephew, Kaiden. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Lashun; his granddaughter, Rhyli ("Rhy-Pooh"); his sisters, Dee Pugh Carswell (Larry), LaWanda Pugh, and Christen Watts (Kerel); his nieces, Kelsea and Kaci; his nephews, Karten and Kody; and a vast host of extended family, fraternity brothers, business associates, and friends. His legacy of love and hard work will live on forever.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, on June 4, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. A celebration of Derrick's life will take place at Ward's Chapel, shortly following visitation at 1:00 pm. Services will conclude with a graveside committal at Fairview Memorial Gardens | 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 at 2:00 pm.