Arrivals and Departures

My sister is flying in today, my dad and I will be trippin' to the ATL airport to pick her up. The original trip was planned because her 30 year reunion (go Class of '79) is this weekend. Her arrival and presence here will be unexpectedly timely though due to a recent departure.

One of our cousins, Doug, passed away over the weekend at the entirely too young age of 42, and this trip home will allow Pam to be here with us as we mourn his loss and celebrate his life.

Doug Vandergriff

James Douglas "Doug" Vandergriff, 42, formerly of Chattanooga, died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in his home in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Doug graduated from Pensacola High School in 1985 and graduated (magna cum laude) from Chattanooga State in 1990 earning a degree in Business Management. He and Deann Pugh were married on June 30, 1990, in West Virginia. He was an accomplished retail manager for 21 years; 13 of which were in Chattanooga before moving to New Mexico. He was a dedicated husband and loved and cherished his children dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry E. Vandergriff; maternal grandparents, James Floyd and Wilma Smelley; and paternal grandparents, William and Juanita Vandergriff.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Deann Pugh-Vandergriff; his loving daughters, Lauren, Megan, and Katherine Vandergriff; mother, Lexie Vandergriff; his brother, Jerry Bradford Vandergriff; other immediate family members, Margaret and Edzel Pugh Sr., Edzel Jr., Sarah Pugh; Horace Barker; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His wife and children want to express their gratitude for all who helped with the necessary arrangements for Doug's "Celebration of Life" to take place where he longed to be, "back home in Chattanooga".
Funeral services are 1 p.m. Friday at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel with the Rev. Charles Neal officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to his children's college fund by calling 850-324-3029.

Visit www.lane-coulterchapel.com to send condolences.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace