Joseph A. Buggs

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."

Joseph A, Buggs, entered eternal rest on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 2:13 pm in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Newport News, Virginia on April 18, 1937 to the late Raymond I. Buggs, Sr. and Amelia Inez Brinkley Buggs. He grew up in the loving Salters Creek "The Creek" neighbor of Newport News, VA which was a village.

Joe graduated from The Huntington High School, Newport News, VA on June 8, 1956. Upon graduating from high school, Joe was blessed with a football scholarship to Elizabeth City State Teachers College (University) and graduated May 28, 1961. He later received his Master's of Arts Degree from Hampton Institute (University) on May 23, 1976.

Joe was an active and faithful member of Union Baptist Church for over 55 years. Joe was a member of the Men's Auxiliary Ministry, Male Chorus, Senior Choir and Mass Choir.

Joe was a proud active member of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Life Member of Huntington High School Alumni Association, Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, member of the Peninsula Alumni Chapter of Elizabeth City State University and Life Member of the Elizabeth City State University National Alumni Association.

Joe married Carolyn Loretta Wiggins Buggs "Lo", on April 10, 1965. He and Lo were blessed to share their 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration on April 19th, 2025 with family, church family, bonus family members, high school and college classmates, former coworkers and former students. They were thankful to God for the birthday and anniversary celebration.

Joe was a dedicated educator and coach who leveraged his dual profession to empower. He was committed to student growth both academic instruction and athletic mentorship. Spending time with his family, attending sporting events, eating at Tommy's, member of the Hampton Family YMCA and attending Union Baptist Church and sitting in his favorite seat was very important to him. Spending time with his grandchildren made his heart overflow with love.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers, Raymond, Jr., Harry, Robert, David, Ruben and George; and sisters Marie Baines and Cleo Buggs.

He leaves behind his son, Kermit E. Buggs, daughter-in-love, Kristy, grandson, Kyle, granddaughter, Kamille, brother-law, Michael Ferebee, (Kitchia), sister of love, sisters-in-law, Edith F. Fayall, Gwendolyn D. Ferebee and sisters of love, Gwendolyn S. Buggs, Beverly N. Buggs, Janice Buggs, Jean R. Ferebee, and Annette H. Ferebee. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, bonus family members and friends.

"God does all things well."

A Pre-Celebration of Life service will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Union Baptist Church; 361 Maple Ave. Newport News, VA. An Omega Psi Phi Omega Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. followed by the Celebration of Life service starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Temple; 3100 Butternut Dr. Hampton, VA. Interment will follow in Pleasant Shade Cemetery, Hampton, Va.

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