George Leslie Paugh Jr passed away from pneumonia at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center on May 20, 2026. He was 80 years old.

Born in Cumberland, Maryland on August 26, 1945 to George Leslie Sr. and Florence Henrietta Paugh (Moore). George attended school in Talbot County, graduating from Easton High School in 1964. Several years later, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served 12 years, which included being stationed in the Philippines, Japan, Germany, Washington, and Korea, as well as deployments to Vietnam. It was during his time in Germany, where he met and married his first wife Hannelore and had two sons during their 22 years together. During his service, he held two Military Occupational Specialties with the Engineering Company and Hercules Missiles. His military awards were National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal (3 Campaigns), Good Conduct Medal 2nd Award, Rifle Expert Badge, and Civil Action Honor Medal 1st Class.

After being honorably discharged as a Specialist 4 from the Army, he returned to the Eastern Shore to raise his family. He was employed at Black & Decker, Allen Foods, and Scotty's Taxi before receiving his medical disability through the Army. He was a strong supporter of veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition, he was a lifetime member of Easton VFW Post 5118 and also at the American Legion Post 70. He eventually moved to St Marks Village in Easton where he met and married Carol Hayes and they spent almost 10 years together.

In addition to his wife, George is survived by his children: George Paugh III (Brianna) of Cordova and Charles Paugh (Melissa) of Goldsboro, along with his grandchildren Tyler Cherry (Shelley) of Easton, Zachary Paugh (Hailey) of Owings Mills and Peyton Paugh (Zoey) of Denton. He is also survived by his sister: Barbara Heisler (Ladd) of East New Market.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William F. Paugh, formerly of Denton.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 13th from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Easton VFW Post 5118, located at 355 Glebe Road in Easton. A private burial with full military honors will take place at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock. Donations can be made in his memory to Easton VFW Post 5118.