Longtime Reidsville Santa still jolly at 86
ROBIN CLAYTON/The Reidsville Review
Samuel “Red” Pugh poses Wednesday in his home with photographs taken of him through the years playing Santa Claus.
Take a glance at Samuel “Red” Pugh and it’s not hard to imagine him in bright red suit belting out a cheery “Ho Ho Ho” and passing out presents. After all, at 86 years young, Pugh still has a soft, white beard and a twinkle in his blue eyes.
Pugh portrayed Santa Claus for more than 60 years, only retiring his alter ego several years ago after his knees began giving him trouble. Now, with more time on his hands, he’s in the process of writing a book detailing his life experiences, including his local appearances as Saint Nicholas.
Pugh’s adventure as Santa began shortly after his oldest son Bobby was born. His wife, Mary, made his first Santa suit and he went through three more after that.
“I was a professional Santa,” Pugh said. “It makes me feel good just to think about it. That was my life.”
Pugh was so convincing as Santa that he was asked to travel all over the state, and elsewhere, to play the man in red. He used to buy gifts and candy to give away when he made appearances. He still offers candy to people who visit him at home and he keeps a stash in his pockets for when he goes around town, making his regular stops at Bojangles and the Pennrose Mall.
Pugh, originally from High Point, first came to Reidsville when he was 15 to play baseball. While in town, he met his future wife. The two have been married for 66 years. The two had four children. A former U.S. Postal Service employee, Pugh retired in 1983.
The idea to write a book first came to Pugh as a way to document his life story for his children. But as he told friends about his idea, more people told him they wanted a copy. He enlisted the help of his friend Faye Dean Watson to actually type the book.
Now, Pugh is looking for comments from local residents who remember him playing Santa. Comments submitted may be printed in the book. Anyone wishing to submit a comment can do so by mailing it to 1206 Wentworth St., Reidsville, NC, 27320, or by e-mailing it to . Anyone with questions can contact Watson at (336) 349-2457.
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