Reflections of a Life Well Lived

"Do everything in love."

1 Corinthians 16:14:

On November 11, 1973, a handsome baby boy was born to Thomas Frank Dugger and Doris Marie Williams-Dugger.  They named him Eric Jermaine Dugger and he was their first-born child.  Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina but raised in a traveling military family, he attended schools as far as Germany and finally finding home in Lawton, Oklahoma.  As the eldest in the family, he named himself "The Oldest and The Boldest" of his brother and sisters.

Eric was an all-around athlete growing up and his first encounter with sports was martial arts.  He later played football, baseball, gymnastics, and eventually wrestling.  His passion and hard work led to a successful wrestling career at Lawton High School and an athletic scholarship from the University of Oklahoma.  While attending college he joined Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity in order to help serve his community better and become a mentor to others.  He then joined the U.S. Army Reserves and served his country for a decade.

On August 25 ^th , 2001 he was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life Maria Rebecca Quesada-Dugger.  Eric and "Becky" were blessed with two children, Christopher and Erica Dugger.  They had a special bond with their children through sports, music, and traveling.  Both children participated in the sport of wrestling while Eric was a great father, coach, and role model to them.  Erica is currently a Junior in high school and his eldest son Christopher attends Labette College.  Upon college graduation Christopher will be attending his father's alma mater at the University of Oklahoma.

Eric was a great man who loved and cared for many people.  He was a volunteer wrestling coach and one of the most respected referees in the State of Oklahoma.  His passion for competition in the sport of wrestling led to countless memories and success with his youth athletes.  He saw potential in every shape and form of any athlete that came in the room.  He brought the best out of everyone and his positive attitude was contagious.  Known for his big smile, selfies and ability to make light of any situation, he would pop up at any moment to support an event or just to spend time with a friend.

On the weekends Eric kept himself busy being an umpire, coaching, or mostly working as a referee at wrestling tournaments across the country.  Amongst all of that he worked a full-time job and spent quality time with his family.  Eric was known for putting others first and being the most reliable and supportive family member and friend.  In his final days Eric was doing what he loved best, coaching and referring the sport of wrestling.

Our beloved Eric Dugger grew tired and went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 27 ^th .  He was welcomed by his mother Doris Marie Williams-Dugger and many other relatives.  He leaves to cherish his sweet memory:  His wife Maria Rebecca Quesada-Dugger; His son Christopher Dugger, Daughter Erica Dugger; Father Thomas Frank Dugger; Brother Timothy Dugger; Sisters Tamara Dugger and Tasha Dugger-Simmons, and Jameil (Tay) Hughes; his nieces and nephews; the wrestling family; and a host of other relatives and friends.

We will cherish is memory and keep him in our hearts until we see him again one day!

Services for Mr. Eric Jermaine Dugger will be Sunday February 7, 2021 at 1PM at The Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa.

Friends may visit Eric on Friday from 1PM until 6PM in Tulsa. Family & Friends may also send floral arrangements during this time.

Mr. Dugger will be laid to rest at Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Emporia, Virginia under the direction of R.E. Pearson and Son Funeral Home in Emporia Virginia - 434-634-2162.