John O. Baugher
September 20, 1937-March 18, 2023
John Oliver Baugher, 85, passed away on March 18, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia. He was born in Staunton, VA on September 20, 1937.
John was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Susie Baugher. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Sandra Haggard Baugher, children Debra Kersey Ingersoll (Ed), Christopher Baugher (Cindy), Melissa Rourke, and Jon Baugher (Sarah), grandchildren Logan Rourke, Sydney Rourke, Kristina Crespo and sister Barbara Selvage (Bob).
Mr. Baugher was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro and a member of the Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond. He was a graduate of Waynesboro High School, Greenbrier Military School, and Bridgewater College in 1960. Following college, John briefly served in the US Armed Forces in Fort Knox.
John spent his career in the automobile business becoming owner and President of Baugher Chevrolet-Buick, Inc. in Waynesboro from 1980-2008, following in his father’s footsteps. He was a graduate of the Chevrolet Dealer Sons’ School. He served on the General Motors Dealer Board in Flint, MI on the GM Presidents’ Council. He was also a member of the Chevrolet Dealer Council, Buick Dealer Council, NADA 20 group and VADA.
John was active throughout the community and very passionate about his Waynesboro Rotary Club membership and perfect attendance (for over 30 years). He was a Paul Harris Fellow (several times), Past-President and Life Member. He truly lived and believed in Service Above Self.
Mr. B, as many called him, served on boards of directors for the United Way, Nations Bank, Automotive Advisory Board for Blue Ridge Community College (16 years), Retail Merchants, Shenandoah Valley Economic Education Board. Additionally, he was on the Waynesboro City Council Economic Committee, a member of Operation Friendship (for Vietnamese families) and Waynesboro’s Beautification Committee.
Mr. Baugher was past Vice President of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, President of the Waynesboro/East Augusta Chamber of Commerce, President of the Waynesboro Jaycees, member of Business Network International (BNI) and former chair of the Soap Box Derby.
Always enjoying telling a good story, John was an inaccurate record keeper of “tall tales” and loved telling jokes, though he could never tell the punchline correctly. He had a passion for NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt, Yanni, exploring, sailing, traveling, cooking, carpentry, the mountains, and landscaping. He had many dear friends, never met a stranger, and especially loved his extended family, among them, his beloved Sandy B and his four-legged grandson, Walter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John to Bon Air Baptist Church 2531 Buford Rd. Richmond, VA 23235 or First Baptist Church 301 S. Wayne Ave. Waynesboro, VA 22980.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 11 am at the Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Home 618 W Main Street, Waynesboro, VA.
He always had a smile on his face. He was a gentle gentleman. I always loved when he would come in for haircuts. He was a special friend and will be missed. He definitely will leave a legacy in his hometown of Waynesboro. Prayers for comfort to the family.
I’m sorry that I never got to meet Mr. B, praying for him and all his family.
Prayers for the family he was a good man and BaUsher Chevrolet was a great place..He took care of a lot if people.
So sorry! Lovely obituary. ❤️❤️
A classy Virginia gentleman and one of the real “Car Guys”
Will miss him ! ☘️🙏
Mike and I just loved John. Thinking of Sandra and the family 🤗🤗💜💜🙏🙏
God bless John. Sandy prayers for you. I’ve never seen 2 people closer. I loved working with you.