Joe Pugh, 79
July 22, 1947 – August 25, 2026
On August 25, 2026, New Albany lost a treasure in Joseph Tunney “Joe” Pugh, who passed away at the age of 79. Joe spent his 79 years in the community he called home—a community where he was well known, deeply respected, and dearly loved.
Joe was born on July 22, 1947, in New Albany, Mississippi, to Tunney Hayes Pugh and Sarah Melba Bryant Pugh, both of whom preceded him in death. New Albany was more than simply the place where Joe lived. It was where he built his life, raised his family, worked, worshiped, and formed friendships that spanned generations.
Joe loved the Lord and called First Baptist Church of New Albany his church home. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he treasured the fellowship and friendships he found within his church family.
Hard work was woven into Joe’s character. He carried on his family’s tradition of making fishing tackle as the owner of Pugh Tackle Company. Bullseye Baits from Pugh Tackle traveled far beyond New Albany and could be purchased in many states across the country. But what Joe built cannot be measured only by the success of his business. Over the years, he gave a number of people their very first job, and many who worked for him came to know him not simply as their boss, but as a man they genuinely loved and respected.
Joe passed his love for the outdoors and his strong work ethic on to his only son, Joseph Courtney “Court” Pugh, of whom he was immensely proud.
Perhaps no part of Joe’s story can be told without telling of Vickie Denise Hardy Pugh, the love of his life. Their love was timeless and irreplaceable. When Denise passed away, a part of Joe’s heart went with her. Though her absence was deeply felt, the love they shared remained with him throughout the rest of his life. Joe will now be laid to rest beside Denise at New Albany City Cemetery—a final earthly resting place beside the woman he loved so dearly.
One of Joe’s greatest joys was being a grandfather. The news that he was going to become a grandfather for the first time brought him tremendous happiness, and McKinley, Colton, and Brayden each came to hold a special place in his heart.
Joe shared many treasured moments with McKinley, his first grandson, and was especially proud of McKinley’s walk with Christ and the mission work he was doing in Africa.
With Colton, Joe spent many hours in the kitchen, sharing recipes, teaching him how to cook, and passing along knowledge and memories that Colton will carry with him for the rest of his life.
And Brayden, his youngest grandson, had a special way of keeping his grandfather laughing and smiling. Joe loved hearing Brayden’s stories, seeing his artwork, and simply enjoying the personality that made him who he was.
Above all, Joe was proud of his grandsons’ relationships with the Lord.
Some of the sweetest memories were made when everyone was simply together. Joe loved playing board games and card games with his grandsons, and those games often ended with the house erupting in laughter—especially when Joe attempted to bluff. For all the things he did well in his lifetime, keeping a straight face apparently was not one of them. Those evenings of laughter, teasing, conversation, and family are the kind of ordinary moments that become extraordinary once they are memories.
Joe is survived by his beloved son, Joseph Courtney “Court” Pugh; Court’s wife, Cynthia Lowrey Pugh; and his grandsons, Joseph McKinley Pugh, Colton Hayes Pugh, and Williams Brayden Pugh. He is also survived by his sisters, Cissy Pugh Cox and her husband, Bill, and Cindy Pugh Mitchell and her husband, Randy, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, friends, and members of the New Albany community who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tunney Hayes Pugh and Sarah Melba Bryant Pugh, and his beloved wife, Vickie Denise Hardy Pugh.
Joe’s legacy can be found in many places: in a family business he faithfully carried forward; in the people whose first opportunity came because he gave them a job; in the love of the outdoors and strong work ethic he passed to his son; in recipes passed from grandfather to grandson; in stories and artwork that brought a smile to his face; in card games filled with laughter; and in a family whose love for the Lord brought him immeasurable pride.
Joe spent a lifetime building more than a business. He built relationships, memories, and a legacy that will continue through the people he loved and the lives he touched.
New Albany has lost one of its treasures, but the life Joseph Tunney “Joe” Pugh lived there will not soon be forgotten.
Services honoring Joe’s life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at United Funeral Service, with Pastor Andrew Chesteen officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the service at 1:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be McKinley Pugh, Colton Pugh, Brayden Pugh, Justin Rakestraw, Jeremy Rakestraw, and Jason Rakestraw. Honorary pallbearers will be the Men of First Baptist Church.
Joe will be laid to rest at New Albany City Cemetery, beside his beloved Denise.
United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these services.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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