Deacon Douglas McArthur Pugh

The true measure of a man is not based on outward appearances, wealth, or social standing, but rather on his character, especially his love for God and others, his faithfulness, and his ability to handle challenges with maturity and grace. Key aspects include spiritual leadership within the home, responsible stewardship of resources, and a willingness to love and support his family. Douglas McArthur Pugh, formerly of West Haven, CT made his Triumphant Exit on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia. Douglas was born on April 7, 1947 to Deacon Rodney Earl and Mother Gessena O. Pugh in Windsor, NC (Bertie County). He was the youngest of seven brothers and two sisters. Douglas was educated in Windsor Public Schools before graduating from Southwestern High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army, he went to live with his oldest brother Edward in Washington, DC but he did not take a liking to DC. So in 1969 Douglas decided to follow his oldest sister Myrna Loy and brother-in-law James to New Haven, CT and loved it. In his words, “Connecticut felt like Country Life and City Life at the same time.” In the Summer of 1969 is when Douglas joined Trinity Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of the late Bishop Brewer, Sr., the late Bishop Brewer, Jr., and now Bishop Brewer, III church name now is The New Trinity Temple C.O.G.I.C. Douglas accepted the Lord as his personal savior in 1996. Douglas was an active member as well as a pillar member. Douglas was a member of The Trinity Temple Radio Broadcast Choir, Pastor Aide Committee, a Church Cook, the Church Sexton, and later was ordained as a Deacon in 1999. January 2019 Deacon Pugh relocated to his birthplace of Bertie County, NC and was under watch care at Victory Temple C.O.G.I.C. “The Evidence Church” under the spiritual leadership of Superintendent Dr. Gary L. Cordon, Sr. Douglas worked for a few establishments namely, Sargent, Winchester, Sears Automotive Battery Department and retired in 1999 from the State of Connecticut Mosquito Control/Marsh Land Environmental Services. On January 16, 1976 Douglas married the love of his life Christine Ray and took on the role of being dad to Sheryl D. Ray. He called Christine “Hun”, she called him “Mac” and he called Sheryl “Dee”. Douglas, who was affectionately called Uncle D, Uncle Douglas, Kyish and Road - by many who have come in contact with him, he truly loved his family and would do anything within his power or means to make sure that everyone as well as his church was taken care of. Deacon Douglas Pugh leaves to cherish his great and fond memories, daughter; Sheryl Ray of New Haven, brother; Irish Lancer (Isabelle) Pugh of Charlotte, NC, sister and Caregiver Dr. Hedy L. Moore of Windsor, NC, sisters-in-love; Evang. Ella Pugh, Evang. Vivian Pugh, Katherine Pugh, Artrell Pugh, Shirleen Davis and Verna Ray, special nieces; MeLisa Brown-Fleming and Antasia Brown, special nephews; Pastor James Brown, Jr., Desi Combs, Devory Pugh, and Stacey Wilkins, Godsons; Ethan Combs and Douglas Brown, Goddaughter Tiant Ellison-Coardes and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Deacon Pugh also leaves his extended family to cherish his memories, His Heart Helen “Eileen” White, his best friend/brother Deacon Lonnie Branyon (Jacquie) and church sisters; Mother Frances Brewer-Johnson, Emma Green and Annette Carr. Deacon Pugh was preceded in death by his wife; Christine Ray-Pugh, parents; Deacon Rodney and Mother Gessena Pugh, siblings; Edward Earl Pugh, Roy Wesley Pugh, Horace Glenn Pugh, Jonah Levi Pugh, Gordon Beasley Pugh, Clarence Stevenson Pugh and Myrna Loy Pugh-Brown and spiritual father Deacon Chester Bordeaux aka Dad. Deacon Pugh will be loved and missed by all. His favorite songs “There is no secret, what God can do” & “Thank You Lord”

Deacon Douglas McArthur Pugh

April 7, 1947 - May 22, 2025