Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

“I am not alone because the Father is with me. God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes, there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any pain” - John 16:32

Eddie Pegues was born July 5, 1932 in Bennettsville, SC. He was an only child born to his mother, Clemmie and father, (both deceased). Raised from an early age by his grandmother, Fannie Pegues, the pair arrived in NY in 1940, when Eddie was eight.

Eddie passed Monday, December 16, 2024.

Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby L. Pegues and oldest grandson, Samuel W. Crosby III and first cousin, Dorothy Pegues.

Eddie always described growing up in NY as an amazing experience, having found friends and family that lasted him until his final days. After being drafted to the army at the age of nineteen, he explored his love of music as he was tasked to be the regiments disk jockey on the boat to Europe. While not freezing during training exercises across Eastern Europe, he traveled across western Europe, visiting countries like France and the Netherlands collecting memories he’d continue to recite for a lifetime.

Eddie, upon returning to NY, moved in with Ruby, his soon to be wife, in a small apartment as they saved up to buy a house and start a family. They were united in marriage on February 28, 1960 and to this union two children were born, Arnise Joy and Edward Jr. Upon moving to Brooklyn, Eddie found himself neighbors with John Wallace someone he’d known for most of his life. Working in the garment industry as a fabric cutter by day and a man of the family by night, Eddie never let his joy for life leave him, often hosting card games with John, Jimmy and Wilbert. They all continued to be neighbors for over fifty years.

Eddie, after retiring at the age of 62, remained very active, attending the Brooklyn Sports Club, where he would often work out in the gym or swim for the next ten years. Outside the gym, Eddie could be found traveling with his wife, Ruby or his children and grandchildren. He was a skilled driver, car enthusiast, comedian, and ultimately one of the nicest people you’d ever meet. Dad never met a stranger.

Eddie, in 2020, traveled to WV to be supportive to Arnise, who was having surgery. It was a few weeks later the Pandemic hit. Dad was not able to travel back to Brooklyn. He spent the remainder of his life with Arnise and Tommy, until he got sick in August 2023. Due to the extent of his illness, he was placed in The Glasgow Assistant Living Facility.

Eddie leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Arnise J. Murray (Bishop Thomas Murray Jr.) of Belle, WV: son, Edward Pegues Jr. (Frangela S. Greene-Pegues) of Brooklyn, NY; three grandchildren, Nelson Crosby of So. Charleston, WV, Camara F. and Malik E. Pegues, both of Brooklyn, NY; one great-grandson, Alexander “Alex” Z. Crosby of So. Charleston, WV; loving cousins, Lawondale Parker and May Campbell, Boo Gladden; nephews, Robert (Sonya) Parker, Keith (Tasha) Pegues; special friends, Charles Greene, Veon Alexander, Mrs. Francis Randolph, Ruby Ramsey and countless others; special bonus grandchildren, Min. Thomas Tanner, Evgangelist Amanda Jones, Sierra Jones, Carla, Zay and Jayanna.

Special thanks to Dad’s caregivers, his loving daughter Arnise and Bishop Thomas Murray, son, Edward and Frangela Pegues, grandchildren, Camara and Malik Pegues. Dad was greatly cared for by the staff of Glasgow Hills. Special thanks to Angie, Cheryl, Rebecca, Nancy, Tammy, Brooke, Kelly, Teresa and both Crystals ….. Job well done!!!!!!!

Funeral service will be 1:00pm Saturday December 28, 2024 at Ebenezer Baptist Church 1530 Third Ave. Charleston, WV with Bishop Thomas Murray Sr. and Rev. Dr. Braxton Broady officiating.

Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Cemetery 130 Academy Dr. Dunbar, WV.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.