Saratoga Springs, NY - Carl Richard Bugg, 86, passed away after a period of declining health on May 12, 2009 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. Carl was born January 27, 1923 in Wadley, Alabama to the late Osie and Carrie (Matson) Bugg. He completed elementary and high school in Wadley and was attending Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) when drafted into the U.S. Army where he served from August 1943 to March 1946. He was sent to Syracuse University, where he studied mechanical engineering in the Army Specialized Training Program. On active duty he served as a machine gunner with the 273rd Regiment, 69th Infantry Division in Germany. He was proud to be part of the unit that met the Russians at Torgau on the Elbe River, a turning point which led to victory for the Allies. Carl was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic achievement after he climbed to the top of his tank while under attack to clear a stoppage caused by a ruptured cartridge. In 1953 he moved from Alabama to Fonda, NY and worked for General Electric in Schenectady until his retirement in 1985. During his career there he traveled worldwide as a field engineer installing and maintaining gas turbines for General Electric Technical Services Organization. Carl enjoyed traveling to visit family and sightseeing in the Adirondack and Smoky Mountains. He liked camping and was an avid golfer, and was proud of his two holes in one. Carl is a former member of Union Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, NY and First Presbyterian Church in Morganton, NC, where he lived after retirement until returning to the Saratoga area in 2005. Most recently he became a member of the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church in Saratoga. Carl was preceded in death by sisters Mildred (Wade) Shivers and Maribeth (June) Page, as well as his beloved little daughter, Carol Leigh. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Charlyne (Bowers) and his blended family of Carl (Patricia) Jr. of Greenville, SC; Deborah (Robert) Coney of Baton Rouge, LA; Kevin (Lorena) of Destrehan, LA; Kathy Stancampiano of Ballston Spa, NY and Barbara (Michael) Cook of Mechanicville, NY; brother Robert (Helen) Bugg and sister Jean (Neal) Martin of Wadley, AL; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He counted as very special, young friends at Prestwick Chase of Saratoga and friends he made in his travels to South America, Italy and Portugal. The family would especially like to thank the staff of 4 Springs at Wesley Health Care Center, his Hospice caretakers and Carls very special friend and therapist Shaleen, for their care and concern. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, P.O. Box 582, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 for use in youth programs. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373).