John Williams Duggins Jr.

He was a 1965 graduate of Greeneville High School and a 1969 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, later earning an M.B.A. from East Tennessee State University.

Mr. Duggins began his career as a reporter for The Greeneville Sun, but left when called to duty to serve in naval intelligence on Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Following military service, he was employed as a public relations officer for both the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and Greeneville City Schools before returning to Greeneville to manage his family's business, Duggins Television.

Reserved and dignified by nature, Mr. Duggins possessed a keen intellect and often infused conversation with sharp wit. He studiously observed the world around him, expressing his perceptions through photography. Frequent subjects included the family farm and portraits of childhood, where he seemed uncannily to capture the very essence, or soul, of the child. He especially loved to photograph his son, nieces, nephews and grandson.

Mr. Duggins derived tremendous fulfillment from membership in the Greeneville Exchange Club, serving in both local and state leadership positions, and found great joy in his book club, which he affectionately called "The Slow Readers' Book Club."

Survivors include his wife of 48 years: Mary Hawk Duggins; one son and daughter-in-law: Samual Cameron and Kelie Day Duggins; one grandson: Cameron Michael Duggins; two sisters and a brother-in-law: Patricia and Daniel Barnett and Anna Roberts; two sisters-in-law: Jonelle Matthias and Sherrie Hawk; two aunts: Willa Duggins and Mary Duggins; nieces and nephews and their spouses: Jennifer and Clark Harrell, Andy and Jessica Barnett, Joanna Roberts, Sarah Matthias and Michael Matthias; one great niece: Landon Cassell Barnett; and numerous Duggins and Neas cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Williams and Hertha Neas Duggins.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held January 6, 2018 at Reformation Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The memorial service will immediately follow. Pastor Mike Sauls and Pastor Jim DuMond will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greeneville Exchange Club Foundation, P.O. Box 781, Greeneville, TN 37744.