The passing of a hero: Former sheriff and WWII vet Clyde Duggins is laid to rest

William “Clyde” Duggins was honored at a special celebration in King for his service to his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was awarded a Purple Heart after he survived D-Day in Normandy.

(By Leslie Bray, The Stokes News) - Many writers have penned their thoughts on how fitting it was that American founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on Independence Day, July 4. And many in Stokes County are saying that it is also appropriate that one of their own heroes — D-Day survivor and former Stokes County Sheriff Clyde Duggins — was laid to rest on Veterans Day.

Duggins, one of the county’s few remaining World War II veterans, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, after a rapid decline in health. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday at a special celebration on Oct. 8 at the King American Legion. At that ceremony, he was honored for his service to his country in WWII, as well as his service to the county as sheriff.

“Clyde served as sheriff of Stokes County from 1970 through 1974,” noted current Sheriff Mike Marshall. “He has touched and influenced the life of so many people throughout the years. There are many of our citizens who still remember Clyde and who also remember the many wonderful contributions he made as sheriff and as a citizen of Stokes County.”