Lee Milton Dugger
December 10, 1955 ~ November 5, 2023
Born in:
Opelika, AL
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Lee Milton Dugger, 67, passed away peacefully at his home on November 5th, 2023. He was born in Opelika, AL, to the late Fowler Dugger and Vivian Gwaltney Dugger.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Ann Hill Dugger, his son, Logan Dugger, his daughter, Anne Dugger (Oscar Santana), his grandson, Tona Santana, his two sisters, Carol Dugger and son Ben Otis D. Lerer, and Dorothy Dugger, his brother, Lane Dugger and sons Jake Dugger and Ben Dugger, his sister-in-law, Sarah Gray (Christopher) and their children, Michael Gray (Channing and their three daughters), Erin Perks (Jonathan and their three sons, and Jared Gray (Lynnie and their daughter). Lee is also survived by his sweet dog Tallulah, many loving cousins and close friends..
He spent his childhood on his family’s farm with his siblings before moving to Laurinburg, NC, where he formed many lasting relationships, a pattern that continued throughout his life. He graduated high school from Key School in Annapolis, MD, and then went on to study at Sandhills Community College, Warren Wilson College and finished his education in Ornamental Horticulture at Auburn University. It is at Auburn where he discovered his love for horticulture and for his beautiful wife, Martha. Together they moved to the mountains of Asheville, NC, where they raised their two children Logan and Anne “Annie.”
He dedicated his life to service and had a prolific career in landscape design and construction. His passion for native plants can be seen throughout many landscapes in Asheville, keeping his memory alive. He shared his love for landscape design with his two children, Logan and Annie, who worked alongside one another the past 3 years in their family business.
Lee was many things, a loving husband and father, a great brother, a fun granddad and uncle, and dear friend. He always saw the light in people.
A service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lee’s name to Bullington Gardens.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Let the light shine.
Martha, I just saw this. I’m so shocked. I see the service was yesterday. I didn’t know or I would have been there.
Lee and I went to Auburn together. We were housemates together in my Senior year, 1979. With Lee, My wife Mary and I enjoyed many youthful days of Laughter, Smiles, Good Music and great times.
Today as I think about my dear friend and his wonderful wife Martha, I have to be sad for the pain that illness brings to those we Love. As I think about Lee I always come back to a smile. He was a great light. His smile could change a room. His light hearted approach always created an avenue to find happy trails and success.
I will often think about Lee. He brings my soul joy. Peace my friend and to All Lee’s family and friends. Love Ya. Skip
So sorry to learn of Lee’s passing just today. We were neighbors and I always admired his entrepreneurial spirit. I learned that he was a fellow acoustic musician, but we never got together to pick some. My condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Dear Martha, I just heard about Lee’s passing this morning. Judy and I are heartbroken over your loss. Lee was such a great guy and it was always so wonderful to see the two of you together. We are thinking of you and Annie and Logan and hope that all the wonderful memories of your time together will sustain you in the days ahead. We love you. Brad and Judy
Martha
I am sending all my love and much light and strength. I love you my friend 💕
she shared his obituary with me. Lee was two years ahead of me in school (three years ahead of me in age) – he was also our boy’sp lacrosse goalie. Lee protected “the cage” and was the leader of our defense and team – he was calming, strong, and of genuine good humor. As a young athlete playing above my skill level with limited foot speed, he was a confidence and trust builder to younger players like me. Some 49 years later, he remains as a very bright part of my spring of 1974. My thoughts are with you and your families.