Fred David "Pudgy" Covington, 85, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016. The funeral service will be today at 11 a.m. at Elkins East Chapel, Center Star. He will lie in state an hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be at Peck Cemetery in Killen.
He was the son of the late Buck and Mattie Covington. Dubbed "Pudgy" at a young age due to his physique, he was the husband of Virginia Ruth Covington, 82. Married for 61 years, his devoted wife always lovingly referred to him by his commonly-used nickname. Pudgy and Ruth built a life in Killen, and they lived together at Green Oaks Inn in Florence until his death.
Born Aug. 25, 1931, Pudgy grew up in Lauderdale County, earning a reputation as a rough, tough and, most of all, talented football player for the Lauderdale County tigers. He remained loyal to the team throughout his life, and he took every opportunity to watch the tigers compete under the Friday night lights. Though he was known as an aggressive football player, off the field, Pudgy was known for his kindness.
Pudgy enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. In 1957, he went on to become a park ranger at Oak Mountain State Park, where he worked for five years before taking a position at Monte Sano State Park in 1962. During the time they lived on Monte Sano Mountain, Pudgy and Ruth, who also worked for the park, had four children.
In 1975, Pudgy was named superintendent of Joe Wheeler State Park and moved to live on the grounds. Acting as the "boss" of a number of park rangers, Pudgy was often difficult to distinguish from his employees. Fiercely independent and unwaveringly loyal, Pudgy often completed the same tasks he''d delegated to the other rangers. Those who worked for him remember him as fair, considerate and always hardworking.
After he retired in 1997, Pudgy and Ruth moved to Killen. Pudgy was a family man through and through, and he enjoyed spending his free time with his children and grandchildren. He was a Christian, and he attended Brookhill Church of Christ.
Pudgy is survived by his wife, Ruth, and his four children: Carol Covington of Florence; Connie Covington Mask of Huntsville; Sharon Covington Tidwell (Johnny) of Rogersville; and David Covington (Tina), also of Rogersville. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Clements (Mike) of Florence and two brothers-in-law, Leon LeMay (Gerry-deceased) of Killen and Oscar (Mary Ruth) LeMay of St. Florian. Pudgy is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Brett Mask (Michelle); Hannah Mask (Bobby Bozeman); Matthew Tidwell; Erin Tidwell; Emma Covington; Maggie Covington; and Brody Covington. He has one great-grandchild, Rowen Mask.
Pallbearers will be members of the family.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the compassionate women who staff Green Oaks Inn. A mutual love was shared between Pudgy and the staff; they grew to love and care about each other as though they were family.