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Robert “Bobby” Clayton Dugger passed away quietly on his farm in Watauga, Tenn., on September 24, 2024 at the age of 88. He was born in Butler, Tenn., to parents Dayton Hughes Dugger and Georgia Marie Tester Dugger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gene Saylor Dugger; his parents; sister, Joyce Watson; brother-in-law, Charles Watson; grandson, Wyatt C. Davis; and several close relatives.

His legacy includes his four children, Gina A. Davis (Conrad) of Williamsburg, Va., Ernest L. Dugger (Lana) of Kingsport, Tenn., Twyla J South (Bryan) of Watauga, Tenn., and Christy D. South (Barry) of Chugiak, Alaska. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a very special sister-in-law, Elfriede Saylor. 

Bobby graduated from Elizabethton High School. After marrying his beautiful wife, Betty, they moved to Atlanta, Ga., so he could study electronics. As the birth of their first child neared, Betty moved back with her mother in Watauga, and Bobby continued his studies. Shortly after becoming a dad, he moved back to Tennessee as well. He was employed by Montgomery Ward and eventually, was hired by Kingsport Press/Quebecor Printing. He retired from there after 30+ years of employment. Working full time and farming was a chore, but farming was his passion. He raised tobacco, hay and various breeds of cattle over the years. His “treasure” was Hidden Valley Farm and his Pinzgauer cattle.

Bobby had a playful smile that was overshadowed by his trademark handle-bar mustache for many years. When he flashed those blue eyes, you knew he “meant business”! A prankster at heart, often co-workers, family or friends could be victims of his mischievous acts. He was definitely a “family man” and loved for all of his family to get together as often as possible. At a young age, Bobby stepped into the role of family provider after the loss of his father. He was the “father figure” for his sister and the stalwart force for his Mother. Hardworking, strong-willed, trustworthy and honest – a man of his word – that was Bobby!
Bobby served on the Board of Directors for Carter County Farm Bureau, was a member and former Director of the Carter County Cattle Association, former president of Woodmen Life Lodge and was a member of Carter County Soil Conservation. He was also the oldest living member of Fairview Baptist Church, Watauga, Tenn.

Thank you to Amedysis Hospice, particularly for the kindness and caring of his RN, Autumn Kyle. Additional thanks to Cornerstone Caregiving and the attentiveness, thoughtfulness and caring offered by Janet Oliver.

A service will be held on Saturday, September 28, at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 212 N. Main Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 with Rev. Gary Roe and Dr. Kenneth Jordan officiating and the family providing the Eulogy. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m., directly followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Interment at Thompson Family Cemetery, Watauga, Tenn., will follow after the service. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at https:www.t2t.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Dugger family.