John Baker Fugate

John Baker Fugate, 92, of Dunwoody, Georgia, peacefully passed away in his home on October 22, 2025, from complications of heart failure. John was born on October 5, 1933, in East St. Louis, Il., in Christian Welfare Hospital. Upon his birth, his parents began calling him “Jack”. He was the son of John Ott Fugate & Elizabeth Kemp. Jack got his first job in the 6th grade and continued working until joining the Navy, following his high school graduation from East St. Louis Senior High.

Jack proudly served his country during the Korean War, where he worked as a storekeeper/bookkeeper in the U.S. Navy supply store. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, China Service Medal (Extended), & Good Conduct Medal (1st). Following his honorable discharge, Jack married Edna & had 2 children, John Scott & Stacey Lynn. He held positions on the railroad, a Ford Dealership, an Advertising Co. & at Peabody Coal Company's corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. With Edna's constant encouragement & support, Jack worked days & attended night school for 8 years. He earned his B.S. in Accounting at SIU in Edwardsville, Il. & promptly was employed by Continental Telephone Co., later known as Contel Corporation. He helped friends with tax returns, volunteered at church & built clocks in his spare time. Through the years, Jack also served as a finance chairmen on community committees. However, his love for God & family came first, as he cherished every moment spent with family. His strong work ethic, organizational skills, & drive enabled him to rise through the ranks & achieve “The American Dream”. He was appointed Vice President of the Tax Department at Contel. His job required him & his family to move to Virginia, California & Atlanta. He worked & traveled all over the world. Jack’s family was blessed by such a kind & caring man, who took his family on many fun vacations & cruises. He was an active member of Dunwoody Baptist Church & attended the Samaritan Sunday School class.

Jack was a loving husband for 65 years, devoted father of Stacey & Scott, & adored his deceased "fuzzy grandchildren” (Ella & Lucy). Jack was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Vanessa Hyatt Fugate (wife of his son, Scott). His surviving close relatives are his wife, Edna; his son, Scott Fugate & his daughter, Stacey Fugate, who both reside nearby & will be a source of comfort for Edna. His other closest surviving relative, Jack’s brother, Joe Fugate, 94, resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan who has 2 sons, John & Karl (Marianne) & a daughter Erika (Paul), some of which are grandparents & great grandparents. Jack has many beloved nieces & nephews on his side of the family & Edna’s side of the family.

While his professional achievements were outstanding, Jack had a steadfast love for his family & friends. He was always upbeat & willing to lend a helping hand. Jack will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, generosity, integrity, strong faith, sharp intellect, & being genuinely interested in everyone he met.

On Nov. 20 at 12:30, a Navy Honors ceremony will be held at the GA. National Cemetery in Canton, GA. His life celebration service will be held at Dunwoody Baptist Church on Nov. 22nd at 4:00, with visitation prior to the service at 3:00PM, followed by a reception at 5:00P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dunwoody Baptist Samaritan Class Missions, 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, Ga. 30338.