Chapter Celestial Kappa Sigma
Brothers
Bell Toll in respect for our Passed Brothers
William Bill Phalen
Died:05/19/2016 Initiation Date:10/13/2007 Initiation Number:#1304 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
William "Bill" Phalen, son of Richard and Lucille Phalen, was born in Chicago on March 8, 1943, and died May 19, 2016, at the age of 73. An astute businessman and long-time marketing and media mogul, Phalen had a major impact in both the radio and publishing arenas. At the time of his death, and since 1998, he was owner and CEO of Cities West Publishing, the parent company of Phoenix Home & Garden magazine and PHOENIX magazine. Prior to getting into the publishing business, Phalen had a storied career in radio, founding or co-founding three broadcasting companies that acquired 24 radio stations across the country between 1970 and 1996. These included KRQ-FM in Tucson and KZZP-FM in Phoenix, which were owned by Western Cities Broadcasting, an eight-station group. After selling that company in 1985, he created New West Radio with the acquisition of two radio properties in Wichita, Kansas. In 1993, he merged that company into Prism Radio Partners and within 18 months, he acquired 16 under-performing radio stations in five markets. He sold Prism in 1996, and went on to pursue his interest in publishing. He earned a M.A. degree in Organizational Behavior from Vermont College and a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. Among honors, he was a past president of the Tucson Broadcasters Association, served on the advisory board of the ABC Radio Network and was a past member of the Walter Cronkite Endowment Board of Trustees at Arizona State University. In 2013, he was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame and, in 2008, into the Mass Communication and Journalism Hall of Fame at the University of Southern Mississippi. Phalen was one of the first broadcasters in the nation to implement a meaningful EEO program for his radio stations before federal hiring quotas. He personally facilitated minority training through intern programs among his various companies. A voracious reader, especially of history, he was well-traveled, a gracious host and proud of his Irish heritage. He recently produced a book tracing the exodus of his ancestors from 18th Century Ireland to North America. Additionally, in his spare time, he enjoyed tennis, hiking, skiing, bicycling, and golf. Phalen leaves behind his devoted wife, Maibritt Phalen, nieces Shawn Phalen and Kathleen Phalen, and a wide circle of friends and business associates who will miss him beyond measure. A Private Memorial Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paget's Disease/Arthritis Foundation, 5009 E. Washington St., Suite 125, Phoenix, AZ 85034; or Patrick Kelley Youth Foundation, 355 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89109-2067.
Edwin Lloyd Pittman
Died:09/25/2024 Initiation Date:02/21/1954 Initiation Number:#0128 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
The Honorable Edwin Lloyd Pittman, former Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, former Attorney General, former Secretary of State, former State Treasurer, former 2-term member of the Mississippi State Senate, and former Brigadier General of the Mississippi National Guard passed away on September 25, 2024.
Mr. Pittman was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on January 2, 1935, as the fourth of five children of Lloyd Pittman and Pauline McRaney Pittman.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Lucille Peel Pittman and son Edwin (Win) Lloyd Pittman, Jr.; his parents; siblings, Mary Ann Pittman Francis (Gene), Joyce Pittman Tadlock (John), Franklin Reid (Buddy) Pittman, Sr. (Carolyn), and Kelly Lamar Pittman; also, his nephew, Franklin Reid Pittman, Jr. and niece Debra Francis Walker (Bo).
He leaves behind his wife, Virginia Star Lund Browne Pittman; children and stepchildren, Melanie Wakeland (John), Jennifer Martin (Ricky), Will Browne, Michael Browne, Joly Browne Nield (Bruce), and Betsy Browne McClendon (John); grandchildren, Barbara Hart Wakeland Byrd (Chad), Margaret Lucille Wakeland Haag (Aaron), John Thomas Wakeland, III, (Catherine), Edwin (Tad) Lloyd Pittman, III, Christian Reid Pittman, Lauren Nield Kump (Jake), Elizabeth Nield Jones (Nick), Connor McClendon, Bill McClendon, Taylor Browne, and Lindsey Browne; and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. Pittman’s father, Lloyd, was one of five Pittman brothers, all respected and active members of the Hattiesburg community. The brothers were Claude Pittman, former Mayor of Hattiesburg; Homer Pittman, long-time District Attorney in Forrest County; Clyde Pittman of Lexington, Kentucky; Lloyd Pittman, and Calhoun Pittman.
Mr. Pittman’s mother, Pauline McRaney Pittman, was the eldest of nine children of Reid McRaney and Bertha Hood McRaney of the Lone Star community in Covington County.
At age 13, Edwin rode by train to our nation’s capital, where he served as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congressman William Colmer. As a page, Edwin lived in a boarding house near the Capitol across from Washington Union Station and attended a school for pages in the attic of the Library of Congress. He returned home to Hattiesburg public schools where he had a circle of friends that remained close for a lifetime. He participated in school theatre productions, YMCA, and high school fraternal organizations. He was a member of Hattiesburg High School Class of 1953 which only ceased meetings this year due to the increasing age and declining health of the membership.
After graduating from Hattiesburg High School, Mr. Pittman attended The University of Southern Mississippi, where he was President of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Mr. Pittman’s other activities at the University of Southern Mississippi included ROTC, and participation in student government. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in political science, Mr. Pittman entered the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1957, where he earned his Juris Doctor, and served as President of his graduating class. During his law school days he married the late Barbara Peel, of Greenwood. After graduation, the couple went to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Mr. Pittman’s military training.
He began his political career in 1963, campaigning in the southern Mississippi Senate district of Forrest, Lamar, and Marion counties. His wife and children actively campaigned for him, often giving speeches to support him. From 1971 to 1987, the family’s campaign activities covered all 82 counties of the state. His children say this was an exciting, fun time for them and they are very appreciative of the opportunity to have been raised this way. Mr. Pittman served this State until his retirement in 2004 and was proud to have done so.
Edwin and Virginia married in 1996. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling often with USM friends. The couple took many enjoyable trips together, their favorites being their yearly trips to Kennebunkport, Maine, where they formed dear friendships, were members of the Eagle Rock Yacht Club, and enjoyed special events and relaxing views of the ocean. Mr. Pittman was also a member of the Marching and Chowder Society in Kennebunk.
Mr. Pittman grew up attending Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Hattiesburg which later became Temple Baptist Church. Later, he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Pinelake Baptist Church. Edwin and Virginia have been faithful members of Northminster Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 10:00 in the Great Hall of Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Mississippi. The funeral service will follow at 11:00. Gifts may be made to the Edwin Lloyd and Virginia Lund Pittman Scholarship at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Francis Anthony Poggi Jr
Died:12/21/2022 Initiation Date:05/31/1961 Initiation Number:#0287 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Francis Anthony (Tony) Poggi, Jr – A native and life-long resident of Mobile, died Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Tony was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Poggi, Sr. (Nell Moragues). He was predeceased by his father and mother. Tony is survived by his wife, Sharon White Poggi, daughter, Deirdre Poggi Reid, and granddaughters, Odile Reid and Lily Reid. He is also survived by his brother, Luis Moragues Poggi (Nancy). Tony graduated from McGill Institute in 1960. He then attended the University of Southern Mississippi 1960-62, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1965. Tony was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at both universities. He then attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, receiving his Juris Doctor Degree. He was currently serving as in-house Counsel for Oil Recovery Company. Tony was a member of several Mystic Societies. Tony had an affable, outgoing personality, a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh, mainly at himself. Always good company, he was loved by many, and a loyal friend to those lucky enough to have him as a friend. The memorial service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S. Conception Street, Mobile, on January 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception/visitation there. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Charles Arthur Ponder
Died:11/25/2016 Initiation Date:02/25/1965 Initiation Number:#0365 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Charles A. Ponder, 72, of Hattiesburg, went to be with our Lord Friday, November 25, 2016 at the Veteran’s Home in Collins. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by burial in Highland Cemetery. Mr. Ponder was a dedicated servant to our Lord, as a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and worked on many Cursillo and Arise retreats. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Officer in the Vietnam War. He worked in banking, other businesses and concluded his career as a Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi for 14 years before retiring in 2001. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family. He enjoyed outdoor activities, especially fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur T. and Rena L. Ponder. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Elizabeth R. Ponder of Hattiesburg; one son, Robert C. “Bobby” Ponder (Karen) of Pensacola; one daughter, Amy P. Gordy (Michael) of Pensacola; four grandchildren, Nicole Ponder of Orlando, Sean Ponder of Biloxi, Abby Byrd of Pensacola and Chase Gordy of Pensacola; one sister, Beverly P. Shaw (Rolland) of Ridgeland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, November 28, 2016 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Roger Dale Poulos
Died:05/02/1995 Initiation Date:03/28/1965 Initiation Number:#0368 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Kevin Scott Scott Pridmore
Died:11/24/2024 Initiation Date:02/22/1981 Initiation Number:#0729 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
The pictures we all have in our minds of Scott Pridmore are the ones that make our hearts all the more blown apart as we contemplate a way forward — smiling, goofy, crazy, handsome, loving, full of life.
Always.
Scott, our beloved dad and husband, uncle, brother and friend, died on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in a tragic accident. He was 62.
Larger than life, gregarious, mischievous, Scott created a lifetime of memorable moments that those who knew and loved him can hold on to in the coming days and weeks.
Most of all, he made a life with his family and friends that was filled with love and laughter and jokes and generosity. (We will probably never know how many people he gave emergency funds to, almost always without anyone needing to ask.)
His wife, Helen, and daughters, Chase and Cara, loved loved loved this man. And he loved them back so big.
Scott’s outsized personality permeated every aspect of his life , whether he was working out a sign deal as vice president and sales director of Mid-South Signs, rocking out in his local band Ian Faith or patiently teaching dozens of kids at Smith Lake how to ski, tube, JetSki or wakeboard.
Mr. Scott, they called him. (And truth be told, many adults did as well. He was so good and dear and generous to so many people.)
Let’s linger on that beautiful aspect of Scott’s life. The lake.
It was always his dream to have a lake house where he could walk onto a boat off a dock and have all the water toys a man could want. But his dream wasn’t just for him.
He wanted his girls to grow up at a place where they learned all the right moves in a wake behind a speeding boat as he encouraged them to be ever fiercer and fearless. But he also taught them how to be responsible and considerate boaters. A perfect blend of Scott and Helen, deftly folded into a “Lake Life” culture that will live on, with Scott as its emeritus mischief maker.
Yes, that. Let’s talk about Scott’s unique form of humor. Some might say he was a bit too pointed in his wittiness, putdowns, needling and teasing. Damn, he could push everyone’s buttons and did quite often (just ask Helen, his daughters or any of his coworkers). Delivered with his drawn out Southern accent, his observations and devastating put downs would leave you squirming and gasping, “Wait! Did he just say THAT?!”
Helen was the perfect counterbalance to that and to Scott’s wildly imaginative approach to life. When she met him, she thought, “Hmm, band guy.” And if you know Helen and her love of rock and roll, this was the ultimate equalizer. She could handle this guy.
They would have been married 39 years this coming March.
Rock music was another huge aspect of his life. He, along with his cousin David, formed the band Easy Street in 1977, soon adding Scott Whitaker, Greg Tubb, and later, Brooks Ivey. Although the band went through many iterations — XEZ, Moby Dick (with Billy Peel) and finally, Ian Faith (adding Brady Warren and Johnny Parks) — Scott was always there with a steady beat on his drums and a near genius level of creativity in his designs, marketing and arrangements for the band. His final Ian Faith band mates Scott Hollis and David Pridmore were like brothers to him, and he to them.
As many roles as he played, Scott’s most outstanding one was as a husband and dad to Helen, Chase and Cara. (He was also a de facto dad to so many others, including Helen’s sister, Suzy, and his nephew, Bo.)
They were often a crazy crew when they were all together at the lake. He once created their own version of “Fear Factor” there, where he challenged the girls to eat increasingly disgusting concoctions for ever increasing sums of money. They loved it.
And they loved all of the crazy — though well-intentioned — water slides and creative handlebar swings and other contraptions that his tinkering mind would create.
When traveling abroad, which they did several times as a family, Scott would often go out of his way to embarrass everyone with his antics by doing awkward dancing in front of street bands or donning crazy glasses and speaking in gibberish. Chase’s “tribute” videos of these excursions are priceless.
If you’re reading this and waiting for the obituary part, here it is, reluctantly and with great sorrow.
Scott was preceded in death by his father M.L., his mother, Frances Faye, and his sister, Debbie. He is survived by his stepmother, Elwanda Pridmore, his brother Mark, his brother Patrick, a sister, Melanie, and countless nieces and nephews.
He was a role model and confidante to his two son-in-laws, James Hazard and Ryder Heath.
Friends and relations too numerous to count will also grieve this wonderful man for a lifetime to come.
And let’s not forget Mack, their chocolate Lab, successor to Sam and Gus before him.
Recently, Scott and Helen had been taking trips and indulging their passion for experiencing the joys of life together with just the two of them.
This was from a post Helen made back in the summer, when she and Scott got to see her favorite band, 30 Seconds to Mars:
“Life hack: Pick your bucket list band, find out when they are playing at Red Rocks and book the damn tickets!”
***
A funeral service is planned Wednesday at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
A celebration of Scott’s life will be held afterward at Huck’s.
For those wanting to honor Scott and his family with a gift reflecting his generosity, please consider a donation to the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society or Special Needs, Special Spirit, P.O. Box 5387, Columbus, 39704
Rufus Emmitt Rip Pugh Jr
Died:07/10/2023 Initiation Date:02/12/1956 Initiation Number:#0164 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Rufus E. "Rip" Pugh passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023. Rip, was born Dec. 22, 1934, in Hamilton, Alabama, and was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. An Anheuser-Busch wholesaler for nearly 50 years in Kentucky and Illinois, he retired from Golden Eagle Distributing, Inc. in 2008.
Rip served nine years in the Alabama National Guard and was honorably discharged as sgt. major of the 161st Medical Battalion. He was a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a member and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Rip was associated with Procter and Gamble for several years, with assignments in Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving to Cairo, Illinois, in 1964, where he began working in the beer business. In 1975, Rip moved to Paducah.
While working in Kentucky and Illinois, Rip was a member of the Rotary Club and the Elks Club and became vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Illinois Association of Fire & Police Commissioners and became a Board member and president of the Egyptian Country Club. Later, Rip became a member and served on the board of the Country Club of Paducah. He also served as a director at Regions Bank, where he assisted as chairman of the Audit Committee. Rip was a past director and president of the Kentucky Beer Wholesaler Association and a past director of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois. He also served on the Anheuser-Busch Wholesaler Advisory Panel, chairing the Insurance Committee.
An avid boater, Rip maintained a boat for many years at Kentucky Lake Marina. There, he served as commodore of the Kentucky Dam Lake Yacht Club and also served as vice commodore of the Kentucky Lake Power Squadron.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus E. Pugh and Thelma S. Pugh of Mobile, Alabama; a sister, Virginia P. Rutland of Dallas, Texas; and a daughter, Lucinda P. Curtis of Paducah.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Beverly S. Pugh, of Paducah; two daughters, Christy P. Meisenheimer (Mark), Ashley P. Shadoan (Tom), both of Paducah; and one son, James R. "Jim" Pugh (Laurie) of Marion, Illinois; grandchildren, Hunter Meisenheimer (Christine) of Memphis, Tennessee, Blake Meisenheimer of Nashville, Tennessee, Parker, Kaki, and Libby Shadoan, of Paducah, Ripley and Molly Pugh of Marion, Illinois; and great-grandchildren, Will & Emily Meisenheimer of Memphis, Tennessee; brother, Earl Pugh (Barbara) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Charles Uhlik officiating, immediately followed by a visitation and gathering until 12:30 p.m. at the church. A 1 p.m. private family burial will be held.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 820 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PL, Memphis, TN 38105.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of services.
During this difficult time, you may show your support by joining the "Hugs from Home" program, where your message will be attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support. Please go to www.milnerandorr.com to send a hug.
William Hiram Bill Quinnelly Jr
Died:06/06/2023 Initiation Date:03/27/1955 Initiation Number:#0149 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home Chapel for Mr. William H. "Bill" Quinnelly, Jr., 91, of Purvis, MS who died Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Interment will be in Coaltown Cemetery.
Mr. Quinnelly retired as an Executive Sales Manager for Lion and TOSCO Oil Companies and was a member of the Methodist faith. He served as a Sargeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and retired as Command Sargeant Major from the MS Army National Guard serving both Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Anne Quinnelly.
He is survived by four sons, Daniel Quinnelly (Annette) of Texarkana, TX, Stephen Quinnelly (Kari) of Rustin, LA, William H. Quinnelly, III (Lisa) of Lake Village, TX, Patrick Quinnelly of Purvis, MS; one daughter, Sarah Quinnelly Cornett (Jasper) of Birmingham, AL; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, MS.
Wade Columbus Ratcliff Jr
Died:01/01/1980 Initiation Date:02/06/1977 Initiation Number:#0643 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Robert Thomas Bob Regan
Died:06/21/2020 Initiation Date:04/30/1961 Initiation Number:#0282 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
This Father’s Day we said farewell to the most generous, kind, compassionate soul the world has ever known. Family was everything to him and he will forever live in our hearts and souls.
Robert Thomas (Bob) Regan died on June 21st at age 79. Bob Regan was born in Burdett, NY April 4, 1941. As a young man, he earned the Eagle Scout award, after graduating from Groton High School he joined the George Strait Circus. On his way to Mexico, he brought some friends to USM in Hattiesburg, MS and he decided to stay and enroll. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. He was an active member of the Southern Skydivers Parachute Club and he may have landed in a few trees giving him the title Tree-master. After graduating he moved to Pensacola FL to begin his student teaching at Escambia High School where he met the art teacher Pat McGehee. He and Pat were married and he joined the Navy, attending OCS in Newport Rhode Island followed by flight school in Pensacola as a Naval Flight Officer. He was assigned to Patrol Squadron Nine flying out of Moffett Field, CA with detachments to Adak Alaska, Guam, and Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. He was a mission Commander and Tactical Coordinator flying on a P-3 B Orion during Operation Market-Time interdicting contraband traffic into South Vietnam. He received the Vietnam Service Medal w Bronze Star; National Defense Service Medal; Air Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; and Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Upon completion of that assignment he returned to Pensacola as an instructor at Naval Aviation Schools Command as a collateral duty he volunteered to assist the International students undergoing flight training. They returned to Groton NY and purchased the Shadowlawn estate where he was a volunteer firefighter and ambulance driver. They returned to Pensacola with their young daughter, Shawna and he separated from active duty and joined the Naval Reserves and at the same time started work as a Civil Servant working with the ever-increasing number of International students. In 1978 he joined CNET in the newly formed International Division. Over the years he has been the Country Program Manager for the countries of Western Europe arranging all facets of their training with the US Navy. In 1991 he retired from the Naval Reserves as a Captain and on Feb 27, 2004, he retired from civil service with a long and distinguished career.
He was very active in his community serving as the President of the Heritage Foundation, North Hill Preservation Association board member, Elcano Society, Saints and Sinners, Fiesta of Five Flags Court of Deluna, and over the years participated in a multitude of community service projects.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Regan and Winnifred Cummings Regan, and sister Sarah(Sally) Regan Baier.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 55 years Patricia McGehee Regan, daughter Shawna Regan-Fulton (Lance Fulton) daughter Kristen Regan-Miller (James Miller), granddaughter Shayla Fulton, and grandson Finley Regan-Miller. Also surviving, his sister, Joan Imrie (Duncan Imrie) of Queens NY, his brother Ronald Terrance (Terry) Regan (Deborah Regan) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel on June 25th from 5-7 pm. (Masks encouraged; social distancing will be implemented)
Funeral Service at Christ Episcopal Church on June 26th at 10-10:30 am (limited seating)
Graveside service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pensacola State College Visual Arts Department for the Robert Regan memorial scholarship.
