Virginius Lougee Iii

Virginius Bryan Lougee III marched steadfastly to his eternal home on Friday, February 10, 2023.  V.B. was born in Durham, NC, the beloved son of Virginius B Lougee, Jr and Maggie Riggsbee Lougee.  Upon his graduation from Durham High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U S Navy and soon served in WW II as a Machinist Mate on the USS Norman Scott.  At the completion of his military service, he attended N C State College, met and married Dorothy Leonard Lougee, a graduate of the Watts Hospital School of Nursing, and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and a 2 year old daughter.   Dot and V.B. were the loving parents of Carol and Brent, and raised their children in Durham with a host of good friends and the support of Watts St. Baptist Church.   V.B. had a long and successful career at the American Tobacco Company.  He joined the company in 1951 as an assistant foreman; then served as a foreman for 7 years before becoming the Master Mechanic for the Durham branch of the ATC.  In 1969 V.B. transferred to the company’s Department of Research & Development in Richmond, VA and by 1973 he became R & D Director.  He and Dot made many friends in Richmond, but in June of 1976 they moved to Darien, CT so that V.B. could take on new responsibilities.  In 1978 he became the President and COO of ATC and in 1981 he became President & COO of the parent company, American Brands.  V. B. was known for his skills in promoting effective teamwork, a trait he carried with him at work, but also in his family, with his friends, and in retirement with his golf buddies, who enjoyed his camaraderie and friendship. In 1988 V.B. began his retirement which spanned 34 years.  He and Dot enjoyed visits with their children and grandchildren and vacations at Hilton Head.  V.B. especially enjoyed golfing with friends.  His infectious humor inspired smiles and laughter.  He also enjoyed crafting finished wood furniture and cabinets, and planting flowers and vegetables.  In 2006 Dot and VB moved permanently to Bermuda Run, enjoying a return to family in NC.  They were happy to join Knollwood Baptist Church, where V.B. was able to serve on several ministry teams.  After Dot died in 2014, V.B. continued to enjoy the many cultural offerings of the Winston-Salem area, including symphony concerts, Dash games, WFU football, and UNC School of the Arts events.  Family visits and holiday gatherings were his favorites.  V.B. continued to make new and dear friends wherever he went.  V.B. is survived by the following family members:  daughter, Carol Danforth and husband John of Winston-Salem; son, Brent Lougee Sr. of Richmond VA, whose wife Teresa died in 2020; grandchildren, Ginnie Freeman and husband Scott of Greenville SC;  Brent Lougee Jr. and wife Katy of Stanley NC; Carrie Schymanski and husband Jason of McLean VA; Seth Lougee of Richmond VA;  Sadie Lougee of Richmond VA; great-grandchildren, Drew Freeman, Lilly Freeman, Luke Freeman, Ethan Lougee, Emma Lougee, Eli Lougee, Milla Schymanski, Reed Schymanski; niece, Vicki Henderson and husband Bill, and other dear extended family members.  V.B. will be greatly missed by his dear friend and constant companion, Mary Tucker, and her family. The family expresses deep gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who have shown care and affection for V.B. and Mary over recent years. A Celebration of Life and Faith will be held at Knollwood Baptist Church Sunday February 19, 2023 at 2:00pm, with burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham NC on February 20 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Knollwood Baptist Church to support the Wellness and Community Center.  Online condolences may be at www.hayworth-miller.com