Richard L. Dugger

Richard was born in Jacksonville, Florida on January 25, 1943 and resided in Raiford, Florida until graduation from Bradford County High School in 1961. In his words, he became a “college drop-out” in 1964 and began his career with the Florida Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer at Florida State Prison, East Unit. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, 20th Special Forces to begin a military career lasting 20 years.

After completing his military training, he returned to the Department of Corrections in 1967 and resumed his college studies at Florida State University. While in college, he worked part-time in the Department of Corrections, Central Office, in Tallahassee. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in Criminal Justice and went on to serve in various positions with the Department of Corrections and the Parole Commission. In 1987, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Corrections by then Governor Bob Martinez and served in that position until 1991.

Richard retired after a 30 year career in 1995. He returned to work for the Department of Corrections serving in various positions from 1999-2005 and again from 2006-2007.

Richard proudly told stories of being raised with his brother and sisters on prison grounds and the life’s lessons he learned from interactions with the prisoners as a young boy. Even though Richard was retired, his heart remained with the Department of Corrections and especially the employees. Any time he saw a correctional officer in uniform, whether in a restaurant in Franklin County or a rest stop along the interstate, he stopped to talk and thank them for their service.

Richard was equally proud of his military career. He had many stories about parachuting into various countries around the world. He was most proud of completing the Army Combat Diver Program in his 40’s. He retired from the Army at the rank of Sergeant Major.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Cora Dugger; and his brother, Leonard Dugger. He is survived by his wife, Emma; his beloved dachshund, Johnson; daughters, Christy Watkins and Catie Dugger; sisters, Jean Thomas (James), Mary Stephens, and Peggy Dugger; sister-in-law, Kathy Dugger; grandchildren, Brandie, Richard, and Matt; great-granddaughter, Alyssa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the many individuals who helped care for Richard, especially Marah and Rosa from Home Instead who kept him laughing, dancing and singing; the incredibly well-trained, kind, loving and patient staff at Tallahassee Memory Care, where we were treated like family; our miracle worker and pixie dust spreader, Deb Simmons and her team from Senior Transitions; and the compassionate members of our Big Bend Hospice team.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 3pm on Tuesday September 1, 2015, at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leon County Humane Society, 413 Timberlane Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.