Dion Gene Pogson
MEMPHIS, TN - Dion Gene Pogson Passed on March 6, 2021. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad on January 26 1934, he then went to Venezuela where his parents and younger brother Dermot spent their early formative years. His father worked in the oilfields as he and his brother were at the camp schoolhouse in which all grades share the same space. His parents wanted better for their kids so they sent them to the United States where they landed at St Leo’s boarding school in Florida.
His parents, Ernest and Kathrine Pogson soon immigrated to the United States landing in Memphis in 1955. Dion soon followed and attended what was then called Memphis State University. As president of the Catholic Newman Club there, he met the love of his life, June Carolyn Mcgraw. They married and shortly after Dion enlisted in the Army, June followed him to Germany where he was stationed. June returned early to have their first son, Michael Dion Pogson in 1959. Dion quickly finished up his tour of duty then returned to Memphis where they settled.
He began a career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep with Burroughs Wellcome and after a short stint in Little Rock Arkansas, returned to Memphis and spent his entire career with them. Gary Bryan Pogson was born in 1960 and presented a new set of challenges. As time passed Gary was diagnosed with Autism at a time that there was not much understanding of it. Undeterred, they raised their family and loved both unconditionally. Some time passed and in 1966 they had their third boy, Kenneth Ward Pogson.
As their family grew and routines were more set, Dion gained many outside interests. Dismayed at the misunderstanding and unfamiliarity of Autism he was a founding member and president of the Memphis Society for Autistic Children. He also was an active member of the Memphis Medical Reps Association. He coached each of his sons Michael and Kenneth’s baseball teams from 4th to 8th grade. Each 8th grade team earned a city championship.
Just when life looked to be set and gearing up to relax more and stress less, a series of losses rocked the family. Middle son Gary died suddenly followed by the loss of his brother, Dermot Pogson to cancer. Then his wife of 36 years lost the battle with cancer as well.
Undeterred, he set upon a new life path. He retired from Burroughs Wellcome, traveled to Europe twice and helped organize annual reunions of the retirees from his company. A devout Catholic, he was president of the Fleur De Lis for several years and was an active member of the Serra Club. He enjoyed Bop dancing and was an avid bridge player. He loved a coupon.
Dion was the quintessential Memphis Tigers fan. He was a 50 year season ticket holder for both Football and Basketball. He also had season tickets to Lady Tiger Basketball, was a longtime member of the Highland Hundred and the Rebounders.
He was an avid supporter of Michael’s two children in the number of sports activities they were in. He traveled to Portland Oregon often to visit his son Kenneth’s family including two grandchildren there. He even was fortunate to meet and enjoy two great grandchildren.
Fiercely independent he lived on his own until near the end. His passing was tranquil.
May he rest in peace.
A wake will be held on Friday, March 12 at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The funeral will be at St. Louis Catholic Church the following day, March 13 at 10:00 AM. A funeral procession to the family cemetery in Lucy, Tennessee will follow.
CDC Social Distances guidelines will be followed at the wake and funeral. If you feel at risk or uncomfortable in these times, the family understands and will appreciate your prayers.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Louis Catholic Church.