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In memory of

Richard Thomas Dugger

Bradenton, FL, USA

January 18, 1942 - July 23, 2020

Jan 18, 1942 - Jul 23, 2020

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Richard Thomas “Tom” Dugger passed away at his home in Bradenton, Florida on July 23, 2020. Tom was born on January 18, 1942 in Terra Haute, Indiana to Richard and Mary (Knauer) Dugger. He graduated from Gerstmeyer Technical High School in 1960 and then studied engineering at Indiana State University. He left the university to join the Indiana State Police.

In the late 1960s, Tom relocated to the Sunshine State, with his then wife MaryAnn, their infant son John, and his stepson Michael. While in Florida, he joined the Orlando Fire Department. During the mid 1970s, Tom and MaryAnn's marriage ended.

Tom met his future partner, Linda in the early 1980s. While on vacation, Tom and Linda fell in-love with the small town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Tom fulfilled a lifelong dream, of building his own home, when they purchased vacation property on Beaver Lake. When Tom decided to retire from the Orlando Fire Department, he and his then pregnant wife, Linda, moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The following year, their daughter Amanda was welcomed into the word.

Restless in retirement, Tom joined the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Department. Later, he worked for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, in Berryville, and from there moved to the county's Emergency Management GPS mapping division. Finally, his desire to be closer to home and family, Tom went to work for the Carroll-Boone Water District

In the Spring of 2014, Tom said it was “getting too damn cold in Arkansas”, he moved his family back to the Sunshine State. After returning to Florida, Tom enjoyed spending time with family and visiting his friends from the Fire Department.

Tom’s passions included flying, exploration, and history. He felt most alive when he was soaring through the blue skys in a little Cessna. He loved to travel and enjoyed studying the history of people and places. In his younger years, he was an outdoor enthusiast and an avid explorer. In his later years, he was fully committed to all his passions, though mostly virtually through YouTube, History and Discovery Channels. In fact, some may have called him a YouTube addict; he was always off on new virtual experiences around the world, or learning about new and inventive projects.

Tom is survived by his peevish canine companion Jack; wife, Linda (George) his partner of 38 years; he was a loving father to his children Amanda George-Dugger, John Dugger and his wife Victoria; cherished grandfather to Boden, and Cooper; beloved brother of Mickey Blitz and her husband Dave; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

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Tom Dugger was a firefighters example of the best kind. Always easy to smile and offer a helping hand. I worked with …

Tom Dugger was a firefighters example of the best kind. Always easy to smile and offer a helping h…

Tom Dugger was a firefighters example of the best kind. Always e…

I enjoyed working with Tom at OFD. He always had a smile for me and a “hello, Denise.” Such a nice man he was! Prayer…

I enjoyed working with Tom at OFD. He always had a smile for me and a “hello, Denise.” Such a nice…

I enjoyed working with Tom at OFD. He always had a smile for me…

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