Gary Dugger

Gary Dean Dugger peacefully passed away, at his home, in Murray, on October 15, 2020.  Gary was the son of Claire R. Dugger and Arlene B Dugger.  Gary was born on Sept. 29, 1950, at the Clarke County Hospital in Osceola.  He was 70 years old.

Gary graduated from Murray Community School in 1968.  He went on and graduated from Elon University in Elon, NC, in 1973, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history.  Gary was never in the military, but he was a true patriot, never missed an election and proudly displayed our country’s flag.  When one of his fellow school buddies, Norman Bettis, died in Vietnam, he very seldom missed the opportunity to place flowers on Norman’s grave.  He participated in Civil War reenactments and was involved in competitive throwing of tomahawks and enjoyed showing his skills and teaching others the art of throwing tomahawks.  Recently he placed 2nd in a competition in Des Moines.  Gary loved playing trivia with family.  He was so much better at the game that family refused to play against him because he always won.

He looked forward to spring gardening time and raising tomatoes that he could give to neighbors and friends.

Gary enjoyed displaying his acting skills to friends and family.  His rendition of John Wayne, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jack Benny would always bring a laugh to those listening and watching.

Gary would say one of his greatest accomplishments would be the raising of an orphan calf, Jimmy, that would go on to be a great bull and produce many little Jimmy’s.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene, and father, Claire.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Bright, husband Jerry, of Burlington, NC, brothers Jerry Dugger and Randy Dugger of Jacksonville, Fl., nephew Bruce Bright and wife Sharon of Burlington, NC, and niece Dana Bright of High Point, NC. and three nephews Daniel, David and Andrew as well as many cousins and friends.  Tom West, his lifelong friend, and Carol Ocall, companion and friend, shared many good times with Gary working with the cattle, traveling and talking “history and politics.” His dry wit and humor will be sadly missed.

Family will greet friends from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, prior to memorials services held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. The family and funeral home asks that anyone in attendance at the visitation or funeral service please follow social distancing guidelines.

The use of face coverings at either event are REQUIRED. If you are unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available at www.kalefuneralhome.com on Gary's tribute wall beginning at 11:00 pm, Wednesday.

Online condolences may be made at www.kalefuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be directed to his family for a fitting tribute to be decided later.