Julius Heyward Pough

Julius Heyward Pough, at the blessed age of 100, departed his earthly home on July 23, 2026, at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Forest Hills, New York. Julius was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on May 25, 1926, to the late Willie Norman and Elizabeth Harrison Pough. He was the second child among his siblings, W. Newton Pough, Janie Pough Burgess, and Fannie Pough Keitt, all of whom are now reunited eternally as a family with God. His grandson, Alphonso Julius “AJ” Darwin, who also preceded him in death, is among a family of deep love. Julius attended Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Nesses, South Carolina, where he was dedicated to serving God, his church, and his community. Julius graduated from Claflin University and then began serving his country as a soldier in the United States Army. He served in the Korean War as a Signal Corpsman. Julius’s life was filled with joy when he met and married Geneva Leary. They traveled throughout the United States and in other countries. Through this union, they were blessed and thankful that God allowed them to bring forth a precious daughter, Linda Yvonne Pough Darwin. Julius had many skills and talents. His career at the Manhattan Transit Authority allowed him opportunities to meet people and share the joy of life and his sense of humor. He was a dedicated employee throughout his career. Having been blessed with gifted hands and a sharp mind, he built numerous radios and phonographs. He recognized that his gifted hands came from God, and he used them for radio repair shows, Swingline, and the Manhattan Transit Authority. His skills and talents further developed his love for music, especially jazz. All of these experiences led him to acquire a proud collection of vinyl records and compact discs. Julius Heyward Pough’s love for his family will live forever in the heart of his first and only child, Linda Pough Darwin of New York, and his two dear nieces, Carmen (Michael)Pough Banks of Columbia, SC, and Monica Keitt of Philadelphia, PA. Also among those mourning are a host of loving family members on both the Leary and Pough sides of the family. Julius leaves a legacy of love for his family to follow: Stay dedicated to the family, maintain a sense of humor even in the most serious parts of life, and most of all, love one another as God loves each of you.