Chapter Celestial Kappa Sigma
Brothers
Bell Toll in respect for our Passed Brothers
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:
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.
John Homer Richard’s, Jr
Died:05/05/2021 Initiation Date:02/17/1952 Initiation Number:#0086 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
John Homer Richards, Jr.
Madison - John Homer Richards, Jr. passed away May 5, 2021. He was born on September 26, 1933 at the Richards' family home in Lorraine, now part of Gulfport, Mississippi. He was the son of John Homer Richards and Mamye Fairley Richards. He graduated from Gulfport High School in 1951 and Mississippi State College in 1956 where he majored in Petroleum Geology. While at Mississippi State he was a member and officer in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He received a commission in the Army artillery through ROTC at MSU.
While on active duty as the missile platoon leader at the first nuclear capable Hercules Missile site west of the Mississippi River, he received a regular army commission. He then served 30 years in the army with tours of duty in Germany, Vietnam, Korea and Italy plus Maryland, California, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia with four tours in the Pentagon on the Army General Staff where he served in research and development, finance and personnel. While serving as an artillery advisor in Vietnam, he devised the "Turkey Shoot" with the help of the 25th US Division Artillery. This later became known as an "Artillery Raid". He attended the Army Command and General Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and George Washington University where he earned a Master's Degree in Financial Management. He also attended the Executive Management course at the University of Michigan's Graduate School of Business. The Army then assigned him to manage the Army military pay, travel, and recruiting budgets. His last assignment was as the Director of Army Foreign Military Sales for all NATO countries plus Canada and Israel. He retired from the army in 1986 as a Colonel and was proud of the fact that he had commanded and served in Army units that had every artillery weapon the army had in its inventory at that time. His decorations included the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, The Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal: all with several clusters.
After retiring from the army. He worked for the JAYCOR Corporation as a senior logistical analyst specializing in safety and configuration management. He devoted much time to the Annandale United Methodist church in Virginia where he chaired several committees and was an usher for 28 years. He was a member of the John Wesley Society. He was a member of and served on the Board of Directors as treasurer for many years at The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, the Virginia Methodist Homes for developmentally disabled persons and his condo association at Hilton Head, his favorite vacation spot. He received the Cross of Military Service from the UDC in appreciation for his patriotic devotion to Flag and Country. He was selected as the 2017 Alumnus of the year for the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University.
He played the French horn and enjoyed classical music. He loved golf and tennis, was an avid MSU Bulldog fan and loved going to football games at MSU. He was a charter member of the "Wait Till Next Year Club".
He was a member of Madison United Methodist Church and played a key role in establishing two educational scholarships for young men of the church. He also established five endowed scholarships in special education, geology, and math at Mississippi State University.
His first wife, Patti Cargill Richards, his mother, father and brother and step grandson predeceased him. His wife, Norma Neill DeLong Richards; daughter, Amanda Catherine Richards; sister, Judith Richards Bostwick; stepson, Fred Cole DeLong, III (Amy), stepdaughter Holley Neill DeLong Burrett and one step granddaughter survive him.
A graveside service and burial will be held on Saturday, May 15th at 11:00am at the Coalville Cemetery in Biloxi, MS. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Greenville.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Madison United Methodist Men's Scholarship Fund at the Methodist Foundation, PO Box 2415, Ridgeland, MS 39158 or the Amanda Catherine Richards Special Education Endowment fund at MSU, State College, MS 39762.
Frank Earl Riggs Jr
Died:04/03/2022 Initiation Date:05/07/1967 Initiation Number:#0453 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Frank E. Riggs, Jr., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2022, comforted by the unfailing love of his family and the forgiving grace of his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was 73 years old and he left us after a life well lived and looking forward to what comes next. A private cremation service with the immediate family will be held and a memorial service is scheduled for Monday, April 11 at 1PM at the Peachtree Presbyterian Church Sanctuary.
Frank is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bethany Brock Riggs, who was when he met her in college and remained so until he drew his last breath, his best friend, as well as the smartest and most beautiful woman he ever knew. He also is survived by three children, each the source of great pride—Jennifer Katherine Riggs of Decatur, GA, Lauren Riggs Harbin (Jeremy) of Jackson, GA, and F. Brock Riggs (Emily) of Corning, NY. In addition, Frank was the grandfather to five perfect grandchildren—Sara Beth Harbin, Lilly Harbin, Ty Harbin, Margaret Riggs, and John Riggs. He is survived also by his sister Sherry Riggs Davis of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention but sources of great joy. He was preceded in death and welcomed at his passing by his parents, Frank and Sara Riggs of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and by his flawless dog Biscuit.
Frank was born and reared in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, graduated with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was president of the student body, and then obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He was a practicing construction law attorney in Atlanta for 44 years, beginning his legal career with the firm of Smith, Currie and Hancock, and then spending the last 13 years of his career as a partner with Troutman Sanders. He was well respected as an attorney, serving as Chair of the Construction Law Practice Group at Troutman Sanders and recognized as a Fellow in the American College of Construction Lawyers. Among his many clients and fellow lawyers, he will be remembered for his steadying guidance, his dry wit, his common sense, his knowledge of the law, his work ethic, and his (very) rare moments of brilliance. Following his retirement from Troutman Sanders, he continued his career as an arbitrator of national construction and energy project disputes.
Frank took pleasure in many things throughout his life. He liked to fly fish, but did so far too seldom. He enjoyed sports, playing them earlier in his life, and watching them in the later years. He was an avid baseball fan and took with him to the grave only one worry: that his family may not preserve his large sports memorabilia collection. He coached and managed competitive Tophat girls’ soccer teams for 12 years and served on the Board of Directors for Tophat Soccer for many more years. He enjoyed golf, photography, watching Southern Mississippi football and University of Virginia basketball, traveling the world with his wife, Bethany, spending time with his kids and grandkids, a good biography, circulating $2 bills, old movies, 1960’s and country music, interesting quotes (obviating the need for independent thought) and his recliner.
If you wish to make a gift in Frank’s memory, please consider a contribution to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the V Foundation, or any cancer research foundation. Online condolences may be left at HM Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel.
Jack William “Billy Jack” Robinson
Died:10/29/2014 Initiation Date:05/05/1977 Initiation Number:#0655 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Billy Jack Robinson, 59, of Petal died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in New Orleans. Services will be Friday, October 31, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Carterville Baptist Church followed by burial in Forrest Memorial Gardens. Mr. Robinson was a member of Carterville Baptist Church and the Sertoma Club. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Robinson and his grandparents, Jack Earl and Issabelle Robinson and Lester and Virgie Mauldin. He is survived by his wife, Shelia Robinson; one daughter, Carrie Robinson; one son, Will Robinson; his mother, Faye Robinson and one sister, Rhonda Tapper all of Petal. Visitation will be Friday, October 31, 2014 from 1:30 till 3:00 p.m. at Carterville Baptist Church.
Clyde Dean Rose
Died:04/08/2024 Initiation Date:03/27/1966 Initiation Number:#0386 Chapter:Epsilon Nu School:USM
Obituary:
Funeral services for Mr. Clyde Dean Rose will be held 11:30AM, Friday, April 12, 2024, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Dr. Tom Sikes officiating. Interment will follow at Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Rose, age 79, of Meridian, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Anderson Regional Medical. Clyde was an outstanding, loving father and grandfather, who loved to spend his time with his family, specifically his grandkids. He attended The University of Southern Miss, where he obtained a master’s degree in accounting. Clyde had a special interest in History and went to visit a multitude of Museums and sights. He served in the army for 25 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. His strong, hardworking ethic got him far in life and helped build his construction company. He had a wonderful and beloved sense of humor that did not compare, this made him known by many. His character left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Clyde was an avid hunter, who spent many hours at the deer camp with his friends. He traveled the world and hunted in Africa twice. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Mr. Rose is survived by his wife of 56 years, Trisha Rose; son, Sonny Rose (Misti); grandchildren, Walker Lewis, Tripp Rose, and Josie Rose; siblings, Dennis Rose (Lynn) and Linda Allen (Tommy), and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Mr. Rose is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Agnes Rose and daughter, Shelley Rose.
Pallbearers will be:Tommy Allen, Andy Rose, Larry Torgeson, Walker Lewis, Tom Wixon, Dustin Bunkley, Steve Duncan, and Kelly McDevitt
Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.
The Rose family will receive guest from 10:30AM to 11:15 AM at the funeral home prior to services.
