Rash's Surname Index
Notes for William Webb III PUSEY
Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) - November 28, 1994
Deceased Name: WILLIAM PUSEY DIES RETIRED W&L DEAN
A graveside service will be held for Dr. William Webb Pusey III, retired dean of the college at Washington and Lee University, at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington.
His family will meet with friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Washington and Lee's Alumni House.
Dr. Pusey, who was living in Charlottesville, died of pneumonia on Friday at the University of Virginia Hospital. He was 84.
Born in Wilmington, Del., he received his bachelor's degree from Haverford College in 1932. He earned his master's degree at Harvard University and his doctorate at Columbia University.
In 1939, fresh out of school, Dr. Pusey joined Washington and Lee's faculty as an associate professor. Eight years later he became a full professor.
He taught comparative literature, Russian and German, and was head of the German Department. He also served as director of the Chinese Studies Program. During World War II, he served in naval intelligence.
Dr. Pusey became dean of the college in 1960, and held the position for 11 years. As dean, he directed a series of changes that had a profound impact on the university.
He doubled faculty salaries, which enabled the university to attract top- flight teachers; increased courses in arts and sciences; and expanded research opportunities for faculty and students.
Dr. Pusey also served as acting president of the university for five months, later returning to teaching.
Upon his retirement in 1981, he was named dean emeritus and S. Blount Mason Jr. Professor of German Emeritus.
The Pusey Award was created in his honor. It is given annually to faculty or staff members who perform outstanding service for Washington and Lee.
He was the author of the literary history "Louis-Sebastien Mercer in Germany" and co-author of the anthology "Readings in Military German."
Over the years, he served on the Lexington and Rockbridge County school boards. He was a director of the local Boy's Club, and member of the League of Women Voters, the Southern Humanities Conference executive committee, and Lexington Presbyterian Church.
He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Sociey, and a former president of the National Scholastic Honor Society.Dr. Pusey was the widower of Mary Hope Smith Pusey.
He is survived by two daughters, Mary Faith Pankin of Arlington and Diana Pickral of Charlottesville.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Washington and Lee University or to Lexington Presbyterian Church.
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