HR 145

Celebrating the life of Joseph A. Buggs.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2026
WHEREAS, Joseph A. Buggs, a dedicated educator and coach, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, died on December 26, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Joseph “Joe” A. Buggs graduated in 1956 from the former Huntington High School in Newport News, where his athletic achievements earned him All-State honors in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field; and
WHEREAS, Joe Buggs next attended what is today Elizabeth City State University on a football scholarship, and he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field before earning his bachelor's degree in education in 1961; he later received a master's degree in physical education from what is now Hampton University in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Joe Buggs was a skilled and accomplished educator and coach who served over the years at a number of distinguished institutions and schools, including Smithfield High School, Hampton University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and his alma mater, Huntington High School; and
WHEREAS, whether coaching football, basketball, or track and field, Joe Buggs worked tirelessly to empower his student-athletes and to encourage their success in the classroom, on the field and court, and in life; and
WHEREAS, Joe Buggs received many accolades in recognition of his efforts as an athlete and coach, including induction into the Elizabeth City State University Hall of Fame in 1984, the Newport News Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1987, the Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, the Athletic Hall of Fame of the Lower Virginia Peninsula in 2014, and the Virginia Interscholastic Association Hall of Fame in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Joe Buggs supported and gave back to his community through his membership with the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Huntington High School Alumni Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Peninsula Alumni Chapter of Elizabeth City State University, and the Elizabeth City State University National Alumni Association; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Joe Buggs enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Union Baptist Church in Newport News for more than 55 years, where he served as a member of the Men's Auxiliary Ministry, male chorus, senior choir, and mass choir; and
WHEREAS, Joe Buggs will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Carolyn; his son, Kermit, and his family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph A. Buggs, a treasured member of the Hampton Roads community whose leadership and service made an impact on countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph A. Buggs as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.