15/07/2024
Walter Stone Pugh, of Belzoni, MS, passed away on July 13, 2024, in Ridgeland, MS at the age of 94.
He was born in Grove Hill, AL, on March 8, 1930. Remembered for his sense of humor, Walter was loved for his generosity and willingness to serve his church and community. He graduated from Belzoni High School in 1949, served in the ROTC at Mississippi State University, and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. He married the love of his life, Mary Carolyn McMurtray of Indianola, on May 31, 1953. Walter served three years in the US Army as a pilot in the 287th FABN as a forward observer directing artillery fire in Germany.
He was a founder of Humphreys Academy, serving terms as President of the School Board and member of the HA Foundation.
Walter’s dedication to Jesus Christ was evident in life as a member of the First United Methodist Church of Belzoni for 77 years, where he taught Sunday School for 52 years, sang in the church choir, and supported the church faithfully with his service and his presence. He loved Jesus and worked to glorify Him in all he did. He was vocal about his love for Jesus and wanted his entire family to follow Him.
Walter was a member and past president of the Rotary Club, and served as a member on the board of the Federal Land Bank, First Federal Savings and Loan, and Farmer’s Grain Terminal.
Walter was an active farmer for 60 years and continued supervising the family land until 2020. His passion for harvesting not only crops, but sowing the seeds of love and family contributes to the life legacy he leaves in them.
He was beloved by his five daughters and was known as Papa to his ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, who are all familiar with his pearls of wisdom. For example, he often told his grandsons that a true gentleman always carried a handkerchief, a writing pen, and a pocket knife. Walter adored being surrounded by the hugs, kisses, and laughter of his girls, their children, and grandchildren.
In addition to his love for the Lord and his family, he was an animal lover, especially German Shepherds. Visitors were always greeted by Walter’s dogs at the fence.
He is survived by his dedicated wife of 71 years, Mary Carolyn Pugh, daughters Ramona Pugh Mauseth (Steve), Lisa Pugh Kilpatrick Shipp, Eva Pugh Champion (Fred), and Elizabeth Pugh Halford (Mike); his grandchildren Shanna Hill (Brad), Matthew Kilpatrick (Aimee), Crystal Downing (Chase), Caitlyn Thompson, Steven Mauseth (Dou), Catherine Brown (Cody), Elise Sellers (Blane), Marian Tolar (John), Callie Hughes (Cory), and Hunt Halford (Lindsey); Great Grandchildren, Lillie, Lizzie, and Callie Brown, Anna and Olivia Hill, Mary Case Kilpatrick, Molly, Mason, and Miller Downing, Levi, Knox, Myles, and Hazel Thompson, Sarah Golden Hughes, Madelyn and Stone Sellers, and Trip Halford; Sister Shirley Biggs Farrell Siebert; Nieces Gale Jameson, Valerie Henry, and Lauren Farrell.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Melinda, his sister Joe Ann Pugh Shipp, and his parents, Bertha Mae Morgan Pugh and Sol Misch Pugh.
Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Belzoni from 9:30 – 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 17. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 am with the Revs. Drew Herring and Keith Keeton officiating, followed by a brief graveside service at Greencrest Gardens in Belzoni, MS.
Donations may be made in Walter’s memory to First United Church of Belzoni, 202 Castleman St., Belzoni, MS 39038 and Humphreys Academy, 800 Pluck Road, Belzoni, MS 39038.
Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.
