Obituary of mabon elias pugh

Mabon (Bud) Elias Pugh, DVM passed away on December 4 at 95 years old. He is survived by his wife, Marne Griggs Pugh; his children Nancy Pugh Bissinger (Allan, dec.) of Poplarville, Ms., Kathryn Pugh Basham (James) of Sharpsburg, Ga., John Mabon Pugh (Christina) of Palmetto, FL., Elizabeth Pugh Gomez (Buddy), of Pensacola, FL.; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents Mabon Elias Pugh, Sr. (De Vera Bosarge), and Thelma Parkhill Popp and his sister, Gloria Pugh Perdue. He was born on November 9,1927 in Mobile, Al. After graduating from Murphy High School, he enlisted in th US Army and served 18 months in Korea. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Auburn University, and following several years of ranch life in Fairhope, Al., he returned to Auburn to earn his Doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine. He opened Airport Animal Hospital in Pensacola and built a successful practice sharing his love and devotion to animals. Dr. Pugh took a photo safari to East Africa in 1975, where he met his future bride, Marne. On that trip, they were fortunate to save a wild elephant that had been darted by poachers. He successfully removed the poison dart, and with added antibiotics, sent the elephant on her way. So began numerous shared animal adventures. Marne moved to Pensacola from California, where she had been a teacher. They worked together for the next 12 years at Airport Animal Hospital. Dr. Pugh was the first Veterinarian for the ‘Gulf Breeze Zoo, where he spent many hours caring for Exotic animals, while at the same time tending to his own practice. Many of his patients went home with him for extended overnight care. He was also very much involved with Wildlife Rescue, donating his time and skills to the injured. He was creative in his techniques, designing prototypes for pelicans with frozen feet and bills. Throughout their marriage, they crisscrossed the US in their Motor Home enjoying wildlife photography in natural habitats. Upon retirement, they were fortunate to expand their travel and love of wild places to include international destinations. Dr. Pugh died at home with his family after a long battle with Dementia. HIs kind soul will be greatly missed by anyone who knew him and his gentle ways.