On August 19, Lil Annee's middle son, David [ aka Dawg], chose to leave this world for a better place. He was a 1982 graduate of Benedictine High School in Richmond,Va and graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1986. He is survived by son Winston and daughter Hollis; Lil Annee and father Ed Mugford; brothers Del/ Wendy and Drew/ Sharon; a passel of nieces, and one nephew.

The Dawg, as I called him, never met a stranger. His wit was quicker than the Lone Rangerís silver bullet and he held the undisputed championship of the proverbial ìone-linersî. A prime example of that wit comes to mind of an evening Lil Annee and I took him out to dinner on our trip to Richmond last May/June. While trying to decide which end of a big steak to attack first, he noticed a woman sitting nearby who was obese and extremely jowelly. In a blink he retorted, "That woman has more chins than a chinese phone book". Being around the Dawg, you had best be on your toes or he would leave you far behind in the conversation.

Having been living the bachelor life for the last several years, he would put that life on hold long enough to entertain Lil Annee and me on our last few trips east. He was the consumate host for his Momma and me, but always found time to visit the pool at Hermitage because of the scenery there.

On the 20th of August, Lil Annee, sister Sherril, and I caught the first flight out for Richmond and stayed with Del and Wendy. Visitation at the Bliley Funeral home was scheduled 4-6PM Sunday, but it was after 8 PM before we had greeted all those who had visited. Now, I tell you, I had been to many such visitations, but never have I seen well in excess of a thousand visitors come through! Most stood in line over two hours to pay their respects. Such an outpouring of love and affection clearly showed the high regard to which that family is held. After five hours of being on their feet without a break,the family said their last goodbyes to the Dawg. Upon leaving the funeral home, Del was the last out the door, when a funeral home employee asked ìIs that everyone? Without a blink, Del said, ìNo, we left one guy in thereî. Everyone cracked up at that because it was just what the Dawg would have said.

A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Maryís Catholic Church on Monday the 24th.
Del and Drew gave moving eulogies on their brother in farewell. After, everyone gathered at Hermitage Country Club for a reception that featured a scrumptious buffet that was donated by friends. Needless to say, it has been an up and down emotional roller coaster these last two weeks, but Lil Annee is doing well. In lieu of any flowers, the family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to Benedictine School,304 N. Sheppard St, Richmond, Va 23221. David's PIKA brothers at Hampden-Sydney are planning a memorial there, so, if you are a HSC grad, you can contact Randy Reid there.

After all my wives, Del, David, and Drew were without doubt my most favorite step sons.
Dawg, I'm sure going to miss that ready smile, those big laughs, quick quips, and bawdy jokes! As the indians in those old westerns used to say, travel that starry path well and happy hunting!

Love you son

Dee