John Lesley Fugett

John Lesley Fugett was born on June 26, 1945, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Rufus A. and Anna Jeanette Fugett. Alongside his twin brother, James, John was the pride and joy of his mother. John and James grew up in a loving home with their siblings and shared many memorable moments together. They attended N. R. Crozier Tech High School, graduating as part of the Class of 1963.
From a very young age, John demonstrated an unwavering work ethic. He began his formal career in a small grocery store before going on to work for Oak Farms Dairy, Oak Cliff Mirror & Glass, and Haley Greer. There, he managed work crews on several major construction projects, overseeing the installation of glass windows and doors in many of Dallas' most exquisite corporate skyscrapers. He was transferred to Northern Virginia with Haley Greer and completed additional commercial and government high-rise buildings in Maryland, Washington DC, and Richmond. During that time he met Tessie, a new real estate agent who showed him rental properties in the area for him and his fellow employees. After a brief dating period, John and Tessie were married on October 22, 1988 (this year would be their 37th wedding anniversary!). His last building project was the Fairfax Government Center. John's exceptional work ethic, integrity, and leadership were evident in every task he took on. After leaving construction, John found his calling in real estate with Tessie as a joint husband and wife dynamic team. Together they were awarded the #1 Top Team by the Fredericksburg Board of Realtors amongst other accolades. John retired from ReMax Realty in 2014. Their dedication and commitment to their clients showed developing into lasting friendships, and earned them additional referral business throughout the years. They will always be remembered for their distinction, including having one of the first real estate billboards on 610 in Stafford, Virginia.
John's legacy of love and dedication extends to his entire family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Teresa "Tessie" Fugett; daughters, Tracey LeAnn Taylor (Christopher Aaron), Stacey Marie Funk (Joshua Cole); grandchildren, Kendall Peyton Funk, Kyleigh Addison Funk; his loyal and faithful companions, devoted dog, Piper, and loving cat, Cody, who did not leave his side; his children from his previous marriage, sons, John and Ronald Fugett; daughter, Leslie O'Rear (Jimmy); grandchildren, MaKenna Ramsey (Adam), Chelsie Velnosky (Justin), Jamie O'Rear, Ireland O'Rear, and Tara Smith (Stephen); great-grandchildren, Kadence Ramsey, Avery Ramsey, Annabeth Ramsey, Evelyn Smith, and Benjamin Velnosky; Sister, Patricia Fugett Bannister of Venus, Texas; and numerous cousins in Texas and Oklahoma.
John was predeceased by his twin brother, James Wesley Fugett, of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Rebecca Richards, of Sherman, Texas; his brother, Ronald Fugett, of Denison, Texas; his mother, Anna Jeanette Fugett, of Denison, Texas; and his father, Rufus A. Fugett, of Dallas, Texas.
A cherished memory from John's sister, Pat, captures his spirit perfectly. She recalls, "If I asked John, 'How are you, scalawag?' he would always respond, 'Well, sis, I'm better than I was yesterday, and I hope to be better tomorrow than I am today. But if not, at least I know I'm headed in a good direction." John lived with a positive attitude, always looking ahead and finding the silver lining in every situation. Her husband once remarked, "John, you've never changed in all the years I've known you. You are the only man I've ever known who always made the good and right choices in life."
It was the foundation of John's upbringing, guided by God's grace, that shaped his decisions and actions as an adult. While many follow others, John was a leader - someone who set an example for all to follow. His character and choices were ones that any person would be proud to emulate.
John will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends will forever remain. He will be remembered for his ability to give everything for those he loved, his boundless generosity, and his ever-present positive outlook. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, John's influence will continue to guide us, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Services: The services have been entrusted to Agape Life Services Funeral Home, located at 2105 Emancipation Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Elk Creek Baptist Church in Bumpass, Virginia. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.