Billy N. Dugger

Herrin- Billy Neil Dugger, 79, of Herrin, passed away at 9:50 PM, Monday, March 12, 2007 at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on September 4, 1927 in Herrin to William T. & Pauline (McNeill) Dugger. He married Ethelyn Winkler in June of 1947 in Herrin. She predeceased him on February 3, 2001. He married Marie Abernathy on January 27, 1973 in Cape Girardeau. She survives of Herrin. Mr. Dugger served in the US Army as a military police officer during the Korean War, as well as with the Merchant Marines. Once honorably discharged, he succeeded his grandfather, O.H. McNeill, as President of McNeill & Dugger Mechanical Contractors. Along with Wayne Oestmann, as Clark Trail Development, he performed the mechanical work for the SIU-C Recreation Center, and they developed the Kroger Store complexes in Herrin and DuQuoin. He also owned, operated, developed and managed Plaza Package Liquors and the Bull Pen Lounge and commercial complex in Herrin, until recently. Bill was a member of Herrin First Baptist Church. He also belonged to the Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts, the Lions Club, and the Elks Lodge, where he served as Exalted Ruler, as did his father and grandfather before him. He was a former member of the Herrin Jaycees. During his high school years, he and some friends organized a big band era group called Dugger & the Ditchdiggers". In his spare time he enjoyed organizing trips to Canada to fish with friends and family, golfing (he once hit a hole in one at West Frankfort Country Club), spending time with family and friends. Around 1959, Bill obtained his pilots license at Williamson County Regional Airport. Survivors include: Wife- Marie Dugger of Herrin Daughter & son in law- Debra Lynn & Kirk Forgue of Vernon Hills, IL Daughter- Pamela Rene Ewald of Streamwood, IL Daughter & son in law- Lizbeth Ann & Shawn OBrien of Oswego Son & daughter in law- William Scott & Lisa Dugger of Cocoa, FL Step daughter- Deborah Long of Cape Girardeau Step son- John Johnson & wife Beverly of Marble Hill, MO Step daughter- Julie Chandler of Cape Girardeau Grandchildren: Pamela Jennings of Vernon Hills Beau Jennings of Vernon Hills Lizbeth Thurman of Vernon Hills Jason Elders of Bartlett, IL Chad Elders of Streamwood, IL Andrew Elders of Elgin, IL Sarah OBrien of Oswego, IL Patrick OBrien of Oswego, IL Corey Dugger of Cocoa, FL Emily Dugger of Cocoa, FL Carrie Tracy of Cape Girardeau, MO Sarah Long of Cape Girardeau, MO Josh Johnson of Honolulu, Oahu Emily Johnson of Marble Hill, MO Katie Johnson of Cape Girardeau, MO Luke Johnson of Marble Hill, MO Lauren Johnson of Marble Hill, MO Two step-grandchildren- Joshua and Stacy Forgue of Vernon Hills, IL Twelve precious Great Grandchildren Brother & sister in law- Jim & Bettie Dugger of Herrin Thirteen very special Nieces & Nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Ethelyn, and one great niece, Katie Burgrabe. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 15, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Loving friend of the family, Rev. Don Colson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service, Thursday at the funeral home. Military rites will be performed by the Herrin American Legion and VFW Posts at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Community Chapel in Marion and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com