Alfonzo Tuggle Sr.

ALFONZO (AL) TUGGLE, SR. was born March 4, 1962, in Hernando, MS to the late Alfred and Martha Norman Tuggle. He transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest in Mobile Infirmary Hospital surrounded by his wife, Emily and their children.

Al accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Hernando, MS under the leadership of Rev. L. D. McGhee, Sr. He was a faithful, hardworking, humble, and a quiet member of Highpoint Baptist Church until his health began to fail.

He had a passion for football and journalism in high school. After graduating high school, he continued his college education at Ole Miss in Oxford, MS where he obtained his degree in journalism. He began his career at a TV station in Greenville, MS, Jackson, MS, Biloxi, MS and then Mobile, Alabama. After moving to Mobile for a job opportunity, he met and married his wife, Emily Hill on August 1, 1992. To this union, three children were born, Alfonzo Jr. (AJ); Amber, and Jalen Tuggle. Al and Emily became grandparents in 2019 to Athena Tuggle.

Al began his 34-year career at WALA-Fox 10 News in July of 1988 and remained there until his passing. During this time, he was recognized with several awards. He received The Third Annual Gwen B. Hall Award for Creative Support in 1997 by the Culture in Black and White. He received several awards from Alabama Associated Press Broadcasters Association: in 1999 Best Feature Story, in 2004 Victor Irving Best Staff Photography, and in 2006 Best Documentary. He received an Award of Excellence by the Press Club of Mobile for Photography for Television in 1999. He received an “Act of Love” Award in 2002 from the Smith family; Excellent Employee of the Month Awards in 2006 and 2016; Fox 10 awarded him 21 Years of Outstanding Service in 2009; The Circle of Excellence Award 2007 and 2008 for outstanding Leadership, Professionalism and Commitment to LIN TV.

He and his family joined Highpoint in 2003 and he was ordained as a deacon on April 15, 2012. Deacon Tuggle shared his knowledge, talent, and love for journalism and video photography with his Highpoint family in the Media Ministry from behind the sound system and the camera as he produced countless videos that are a part of Highpoint’s rich history. He had a voice that could not be duplicated. He was also an Assistant Teacher of the Agape Sunday School Fulfillment Hour class and a member of Men’s Ministry.

Deacon Tuggle was preceded in death by his father and mother, Alfred and Martha Tuggle, one brother, Leotis Norman and one sister, Ruthie B. Tuggle.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and faithful wife Emily, a son, Alfonzo (Adrienne) Tuggle, Jr., Sebastian, FL; one daughter, Amber and a son, Jalen, both of Mobile, AL; one granddaughter Athena; 2 brothers, James (Evelyn) Tuggle of Southaven, MS; Eric Norman, Memphis TN; two sisters, Martha (A.D.) Jones, Hernando, MS; and Jacqueline (Amos) Pitts of Memphis, TN; one uncle, Wiley C. Tuggle of Hernando, MS, and two aunts Eva Tuggle and Zelma Tuggle of Hernando, MS and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and his Highpoint Church family and friends.