Woodie Dugger Jr.

1954  –  2026

A shining example of class, hard work, and loving others, Woodie Dugger Jr’s life
was filled with faith, family, and friends. He was a steadfast source of strength for
those around him to depend on. Nothing brought Woodie greater joy than
spending time with his loved ones, and he deeply savored each and every
moment. His sunny smile and upbeat spirit of positivity were infectious and
unforgettable. Although he is gone too soon, Woodie will be forever loved and
remembered by those who knew him best.

The mid-1950s was an influential chapter in history. The Korean Conflict had come
to an end overseas, ushering in an era of hope and healing for the world. Here at
home in the United States, the historical civil rights movement was in full swing. It
was during this time that Woodie Dugger Sr. and wife Virgia Mae made their move
from Mississippi to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and on August 31 of 1954, they
announced the arrival of their baby boy. Woodie Jr. was given his father’s name
but would affectionately be known as Junior by his family. Woodie was a cheerful
and handsome baby, adorable enough to win a baby competition. His attention
was captured by The Howdy Doody Show and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, and he
loved eating ham and his mother’s sweet potato pie.

Throughout his childhood, Woodie was a typical young man of his generation. He
was raised alongside his three younger siblings, Michelle, Monica, and Duane. At a
young age, Woodie discovered a passion for karate. He devoured every single
Bruce Lee film, and his younger brother Duane had the bruises to prove it. Woodie
would perform karate exercises and meditation in the backyard. He even earned
his black belt in martial arts, and the neighborhood kids affectionately called him
the “black Bruce Lee.” He left home around the age of 15 and moved in with a
friend named James. Woodie enjoyed listening to his favorite music in the
basement, and he enjoyed dressing to the nines in his two-piece suits with Stacy
Adam shoes to go out dancing.

As a young man, Woodie took on the role of a father figure for his two sisters,
Monica and Michelle. He would take them everywhere, from the movies to the
shops. Woodie also liked helping his mother with the grill during the summer. He
took his first job working at the neighborhood corner store. Woodie attended
North Division High School through the 11th grade, eager to step into the future
unfolding before him.

During his high school years, Woodie met a classmate named Joan. On January 26,
1973, Woodie was forever changed for the better when he became a father to his
daughter, Joanell. Then, after several years and short-lived relationships, he saw a
photo of one of his friend’s sisters, Maria Martinez, and Woodie just had to meet
her. The two welcomed their son, Lenier, into the world on June 20, 1981. Woodie
embraced his role as a father with enthusiasm, and he strove to be an active
presence in Lenier’s life. Woodie and Lenier enjoyed visiting festivals and fairs
around town and spending time with Lenier’s cousin, Traneka. He took Lenier bike
riding in the summer and sledding in the winter.

Over the years, Woodie worked various jobs at the local grocery store, drycleaners,
and a lamp company. He received an excellent opportunity when his
father got him a job in the produce business at P&B, Palmisano & Baake. Woodie’s
solid work ethic and strong sense of responsibility quickly helped him build a great
reputation for himself as a truck driver in produce delivery. He worked for major
companies such as Garden Fresh and Fruit Ranch, but his schedule was grueling
and made it difficult for Woodie to spend time with his family. In 1984, Woodie
was blessed with the chance to drive local routes for Machi Produce. The small
and family-owned company had never hired outside the family, and did not offer
health insurance at the time, so Woodie thought he would have to find a different
job. Mr. Machi was so impressed by Woodie’s character and skills that he went
above and beyond to reconcile the insurance situation and win Woodie back.
Woodie remained at Machi Produce for the rest of his career, pouring in 40 years
of dedicated work before recently retiring in February of 2026.

Not to be forgotten was the moment Woodie met the love of his life, Maria Cruz.
At the time, she was working at Maglio Produce Company, right next door to
Woodie’s workplace. The companies shared a lunch area, where a romance
between Woodie and Maria blossomed. Woodie proposed to Maria in 2001 on
her birthday, June 2, and Maria was happy to say yes. The two were married on
October 12 of the same year and went on to enjoy nearly 25 years as husband and
wife. Woodie grew to be very close with Maria’s close-knit family, especially her
nephew Cesar. He was also thrilled to watch his family flourish as his son, Lenier,
married Julie in 2024. Woodie loved that he was a grandfather to Shantell, Jamie
Jr., Darin, Brittany, Caricia, and Icess. He was overjoyed when Lenier brought his
girls over for Christmas. Holidays were always celebrated with family.

All who knew Woodie can certainly attest to the strength of his faith. September
21st of 1986 was one of the most important days in his life when he was baptized
in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. Woodie nurtured his faith as a
member of Parkway Church in Oak Creek. He served his church family as an usher,
in children’s ministry, and anywhere else he could. Woodie lived out his faith in
word and deed, allowing God to heal many family wounds of the past. He was
devoted to serving those around him, and he exemplified what it meant to follow
after the Lord he loved.

In his free time, Woodie was most comfortable at home with his beloved wife,
Maria. He could usually be found relaxing on his Lazy-Boy watching the Spanish
channel, reality court shows, or Top Chef. Woodie was an avid fan of the
Minnesota Vikings, or as he called them, the Purple People Eaters. His favorite
foods included tacos and enchiladas, especially when his sister-in-law, Esperanza
made them, and he enjoyed playing cards and pool. Headstrong as they come,
Woodie preferred to do things “old school.” He cherished his relationships with his
friends and family above all else.

As we gather to reflect on the overflowing life of Woodie Dugger Jr., it is easy to
celebrate a man who gave so generously of his time and energy to care for those
around him. His family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure, and he faced every
challenge that came his way with perseverance, grit, and his smile. Already dearly
missed, Woodie leaves behind a priceless legacy of kindness and integrity that his
loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Woodie Dugger Jr. departed this life and entered into rest on August 19, 2026 at
the age of 71. He is preceded in death by his parents Woodie Dugger Sr. and Virgia
Mae Washington, and his grandson Darin Algee Jr. He leaves to cherish his
memories, his wife Maria Dugger, daughter, Joanell (David) Felters, son, Lenier
(Julie) Dugger; his five grandchildren, Shantell Brown, Jamie Murray Jr., Brittany
Algee, Caricia Monserrate Forlano, and Icess Lynn Alloway; nine greatgrandchildren,
Aaliyah Hubbard, Brooke Conley, Faith Algee, Reniya Jackson, Sy
Rai’ Brown, De John Harris, Amir Algee, Amari Algee, and MJ – Michael Haynes;
his sisters, Michelle Dugger, and Monica (Joe) Haynes, his brother Duane
Washington, and his beloved niece Traneka Buford. He is further survived by other
relatives and friends.

Visitation Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the Heritage Funeral Home 4800 South 84^th Street, Greenfield, WI 53228 from 3:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service at 6:00 PM.