OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – John Tuggle, a longtime engineer and regional development leader whose work touched communities across southern West Virginia, has died following a medical emergency after Friday night’s Oak Hill High School football game against Shady Spring.
The medical emergency occurred following the game in Oak Hill on Friday, Sept. 18.
Tuggle served as executive director of the Region 4 Planning and Development Council, an organization serving Fayette, Greenbrier, Nicholas, Pocahontas and Webster counties. Through that position, Tuggle worked extensively on economic development, infrastructure, transportation, water and sewer projects and securing funding for communities throughout the region.
Tuggle was also co-executive director of the Fayette/Raleigh Metropolitan Planning Organization, which coordinates transportation planning in the Fayette and Raleigh county area.
A licensed professional engineer and professional surveyor, Tuggle had decades of experience in engineering before joining Region 4 in 2013. State records have also listed John Wesley Tuggle as a licensed professional surveyor in Fayette County.
Following news of his death, tributes began coming in from across West Virginia.
Former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin remembered Tuggle as an advocate for southern West Virginia.
“Gayle and I are heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of John Tuggle. John was a tireless advocate for southern West Virginia, and his efforts have made a lasting impression on our state. He was willing to work with anyone, anywhere, anytime to create jobs and invest in our state’s infrastructure. Please join Gayle and me in praying for John’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
United Methodist Temple in Beckley also announced Tuggle’s passing and reflected on his involvement with the church community.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and brother in Christ, John Tuggle. John’s legacy of love and faith is beyond a single post and will continue to shape who we are as a community while his lighthearted, generous personality will never be far from us. We lift up our prays for his family and his wife Ramona! As they grieve and celebrate his life, may our Easter Spirit comfort and inspire them. Share your thoughts and prayers with us below.”
State Sen. Robbie Morris described Tuggle as both a friend and mentor who devoted his career to improving communities across West Virginia.
“My heart is broken today over the sudden passing of my friend and mentor, John Tuggle, Executive Director of the Region 4 Planning and Development Council.
“John dedicated his career to making West Virginia a better place. Through his work in economic and community development, he was a tireless advocate for the communities he served and for our entire state. He was a kind soul who was always willing to help, always willing to share his knowledge, and always willing to do whatever was necessary to move West Virginia forward.
“I was fortunate to be one of the many people John helped and mentored throughout his career. I cannot count the number of times I called him for advice or guidance over the years, and he was always there.
“This loss is especially difficult because I spent Wednesday through Friday of last week with John at the West Virginia Economic Development Council conference. The last conversation I had with him Friday morning was, fittingly, about economic development and how we could help our communities. We talked through several ideas and ended the conversation planning to talk again Monday.
“I never imagined that would be our last conversation.
“West Virginia has lost a dedicated public servant and a tremendous advocate for our communities. The economic development community has lost a respected colleague and leader. And I have lost a friend and mentor for whom I will always be grateful.
“Whitney and I send our prayers of comfort to John’s family, his friends, his colleagues at Region 4, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
“Rest in peace, John. Thank you for your friendship, your mentorship, and a lifetime spent working to make West Virginia better. You will be deeply missed.”
The City of Summersville also posted a statement remembering Tuggle.
“The City of Summersville is saddened to learn of the passing of John Tuggle, Executive Director of the Region Four Planning and Development Council.
John was a valued partner to the City of Summersville, working alongside our community on many projects and initiatives over the years. We are grateful for his service, his partnership, and the impact his work had on Summersville and communities throughout the region.
Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s family, friends, and the entire Region Four Planning and Development Council team during this difficult time.”
