In loving memory of
Jennings Lee Paugh

• March 27, 1951
• -
• April 21, 2024

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Jennings Lee Paugh (JP), 73, of Leesburg, Florida passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 21, 2024 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer for seven years. Jennings was born on March 27, 1951 in Milton, West Virginia to Eugene Dempsey and Mary Margaret (Kimbler) Paugh. He grew up in the Huntington, West Virginia area. He was a Barboursville High School graduate of the class of 1969, then moved to Columbus, Ohio where he pursued a career as a Police Officer in Hilliard, Ohio. In December 1973 Jennings joined the United States Army, specializing in Communications in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sargent in December 1976. He returned to Columbus, Ohio and met his best friend and the love of his life Cindy, while working at Domino’s Pizza on the Ohio State University Campus. They were joined in Holy Matrimony at St. Leos Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio on May 6, 1978; (5-6-78); and started a family. He used his knowledge from the military to become a part of the evolution of Information Technology at the Online Computer Library Center in Dublin, Ohio. He continued to work in IT on contracts in Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama and Tennessee until he went to work with the VA in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from the University of Pheonix online, graduating second in his class. He became an auditor for the Department of Defense at the Arnold Air Force Base a Tullahoma, Tennessee and later at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He retired twice from the government, September of 2017 and again in January of 2022. May 25, 2022 Jennings and Cindy moved to Leesburg, Florida to enjoy their retirement years.

He taught catechism, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Royal Highlands Veterans Club. He had a strong faith in God, loved his family, spending time with them, sharing his experiences, wisdom and guidance. He loved the beach, cooking, fishing, golfing, playing cards, board games, and was a super fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes.

Jennings is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Dempsey and Mary Margaret Paugh. Sister Cheryl Ann Clay and brothers Eugene Dempsey Jr. and Gary Allen Paugh. Our two baby angels, Baby Paugh and Leighanne Marie Paugh born too soon, and our Fur Baby Lil Beau Blue.

He is survived by his loving wife Cynthia Ann (Kuskowski) Paugh of 45 years and 350 days. Children Michelle Lynne (John) Bowman of Daleville, Alabama, Christopher William Paugh of Cookeville, Tennessee and Robin Eugene (Caroline) Paugh of Brooksville, Florida, and our Fur Baby Brady Bear.

Grandchildren Rose Marie Eggleston of Belchertown, Massachusetts, Brianna Nicole Chancey of DeFuniak Springs, Florida and James William Lee Chancey serving in the U.S. Army, Abigail Renee and Spencer Nathaniel Paugh of Cookeville, Tennessee, Haley Brooke Paugh of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Kyla Jade and Aubrey Marie Paugh and step grandson Jayden Trenton Cochran of Brooksville, Florida.

Great granddaughter Malia Joan Marie Eggleston of Belchertown, Massachusetts and a great-granddaughter due in August 2024 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Sisters Teresa Faye (Paugh) Katrinic of Barboursville, West Virginia and Brenda Denise (Paugh) Stenger of Lesage, West Virginia, along with nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral Mass for Jennings, will be on Friday May 10, 2024 at 8:30 AM. Father Matthew Hawkins will be officiating at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1330 Sunshine Ave, Leesburg, Florida 34748.

Inurnment will follow at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida 33513. Military Honors provided by Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Jennings’ name to The Wounded Warriors Project or the Gary Sinise Foundation.