Victor Freeman Duggins, Jr.

Victor F. Duggins, Jr., passed away on August 6, 2026, in Arden, NC, after several months in hospice care. He was 84. Vic was born in Greeneville, TN on April 18, 1942, the only child of Victor, Sr. and Elizabeth Taylor Duggins. He had many fond memories of spending time at “The Wayside,” the home of his Taylor grandparents, tromping through the fields of Greene County, and fishing at night on the Nolichucky River. He graduated from Greeneville High School. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, had many adventures while in Navy officer training, and later graduated from East Tennessee State University.

Vic taught history for a short time at Brevard College. He devoted most of his career to expanding educational opportunities for young people in East Tennessee through his work at Walters State Community College, retiring as Vice President of College Advancement.

Vic loved telling stories, complete with “Taylor color,” sharing long, philosophical conversations, writing, hiking, and taking Jeep rides in the Smokies with the top down. He had a lifelong love of music, playing trombone in high school band, state orchestra, and a dance band, the Continentals. He was a loving dad, who Amy and Lesley referred to as their “befloppy-hatted daddy bear.” He took true joy in meeting new people, making instant friends wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 27 years, Gail Wilkerson Duggins, and by parents Victor and Elizabeth. He is survived by daughters Lesley Duggins and Amy Duggins, both of Cullowhee, NC; stepsons Brett Cobble (Kylee) of Crossville, TN, and Derek Cobble of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Aidan Williams and Mira Williams; step-grandchildren Leah Cobble, Evan and Evy Cobble, and Emmy Jo and Brooklyn Johnson; as well as many dear cousins and friends.

His family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the caring assisted living staff at Heather Glen and his wonderful Four Seasons hospice team, who were of immeasurable comfort during his final months.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to The Love Kitchen in Knoxville, TN (thelovekitchen.org) or a local food relief organization in your community. 

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Duggins family.