Richard Fugate

FUGATE, RICHARD LEE, of Louisville, passed away on August 5, 2013. He was a longtime member of Hillsdale Baptist Church. Richard was born February 20, 1927 in Varilla, Bell County, KY, to Floyd and Eunice Robbins Fugate, who moved to Harlan County, KY in 1930. They lived at Black Joe, Brookside, Ages, and Verda, KY. Richard attended Evarts High School until he was 14 years old. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, served at Crumies Creek KY, ID, and Yellow Springs, WY and was discharged in August, 1942. Richard returned home and tried to register for the Army during World War II at age 15. He worked at various jobs around Harlan Co. until spring, 1944. Richard joined Ages Baptist Church and was baptized on Easter Sunday. He then went to Galesburg, MI and worked for the Burgess Seed and Plant Co before going to Baltimore, MD to work for Eastern Aircraft Co. until February, 1945. Richard went home to Harlan County and registered for the Army on his 18th birthday. He farmed until called up for the Army on July 2, 1945. After serving in Europe, Richard returned home in December of 1946. He also served three years in the Army Reserves and was discharged as a Sergeant in 1953. Richard married Imogene Sutton on March 29, 1947. They moved to Louisville, where Richard obtained employment at Philip Morris USA. Richard retired after 38 years as a group mechanical supervisor and was also the founder and treasurer of the Philip Morris Credit Union for 33 years. He was the former secretary treasurer of the Tobacco Workers Local Union 16, a former member and chief steward of Machinist Union Lodge 681, and was a member of CCC Alumni Assn., the American Legion Shively Post 220, and the KY Colonels Assn. Richard and Imogene had 26 years of retirement together. They were avid NASCAR fans and traveled to many places, attending family and High School reunions. Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Imogene Sutton Fugate, a loss from which he never fully recovered. He was also preceded in death by his dear parents Floyd and Eunice (Robbins) Fugate; sisters Magdalene, Margaret and Doris Fern; brothers Ray, Martin, and James Fugate; and nephews Ray and Lee Smith. Richard is survived by a sister Evelyn (Fugate) Belcher and a brother Joe E. (Patty) Fugate. Richard had many nieces and nephews, and loved them all. Richard's nieces are Beth, Sharon, Missy, Patty, Debbie, Pam, Cindy, Sheila, Doris, Teresa, and Kim. His surviving nephews are Greg, Marty, and Pete. His funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at Owen Funeral Home 5317 Dixie Hwy., with burial at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday.