Bernard Pugh, Jr.

Mr. Bernard Pugh, Jr. was born October 31, 1940, in Sheffield, Alabama to the late Mrs. Emma Lee Pugh Mason and Mr. Bernard Pugh, Sr. He departed this life on Friday, February 6, 2026. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church, Sheffield, Alabama.

He loved all his family deeply and will be greatly missed. He retired from Ford Motor Company and furthered his career. He became the very first high ranked African American Police Officer in Tuscumbia, Alabama, as Major Bernard Pugh, Jr. He served 20 years with Tuscumbia Police Department until his retirement.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lee Pugh Mason; father, Bernard Pugh, Sr.; stepfather, Isaac Mason; brothers, James Pugh, Larry Toney; and special uncles and aunts.

Bernard leaves to cherish his wonderful memory:

a loving, caring, and devoted wife of 40 years, Nancy Pugh;  three sons, Billy Lavender (BesRenia) of San Antonio, TX, Chris Pugh (Brittany) of Chattanooga, TN, and Priest Race of Sheffield, AL; one daughter, Diana Williams of Sheffield, AL; grandchildren, Nicholas Williams, Jasmine Woods, Chance and Dominick Race, all of Sheffield, AL, LaKiesha, Demetrius, Veda, Gracin and Daegan Pugh, all of Chattanooga, TN, Brittany and Brandon Lavender of San Antonio, TX; a special great-grandchild, Kiere Martin; sister-in-law, Gwen Pugh; two aunts, Mae Willie and Nancy Darby; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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