Jerry Sheldon Pugh, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Edgefield, South Carolina.

Born in Floyd, Virginia, in 1941, he went on to serve in the Army's 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from 1960 to 1963. Jerry married Fleta Burgart in 1965 and they had two children, Denise Renee and Jerry Wayne.

Jerry went to the Liberty Bible Institute and spent many years in ministry for senior citizens. He transitioned to estate planning to help people secure their retirement income and support faith-based higher education. Before retiring to help care for his aging parents, he was an independent contractor, moving tractor and trailers all over the U.S.

Jerry enjoyed attending baseball games when his great nephews were playing and as an avid birdwatcher, his binoculars were never far away. His yard was a refuge for birds of all kinds, until he started caring for a stray cat and her litter of kittens. He provided a safe haven for them all, protecting them from squirrels, skunks and armadillos. He also enjoyed an afternoon fishing on the small pond nearby.

Mentally sharp through his years, it was difficult to beat him in a game of Scrabble. The rare victory over him was cause for celebration.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Don and Iva Pugh and brothers Roger D. and William D. Pugh.

He is survived by his brother, Donald Lee Pugh, Sr., and wife Roberta; daughter Denise P. Woernle and husband, Matt; son, Jerry W. Pugh and wife, Angela; nephews Donald Lee Pugh, Jr., and wife, Kelley; Daryl Pugh and wife Kathy; and Dean Pugh; as well as great nieces, Katelyn Brown and Emilee Pugh, and great nephew Brandon Pugh, and friends David, Lynn, and Jay Willis.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, January 28, to celebrate Jerry's life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the American Bird Conservancy or the

American Legion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home.

Please share a memory or photo at www.edgefieldmercantilefh.com