Elder Tommie Lee Carnathan III Buggs

Dr. Elder Tommie Lee Carnathan III Buggs, 55, of Pickerington, OH, entered into the peace of his eternal home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio.

Tommie, affectionately known as Butter, was born December 12, 1970, in Youngstown, OH, to Candace Laveda Buggs and Tommie Lee Carnathan Jr. Tommie attended East High School in Youngstown, OH, where he graduated in 1989. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army in September 1989, serving as a 52D10 Generator Technician. He deployed to Desert Shield/Storm with the 1st/41st Field Artillery from August 1990 to May 1991. In 1995, he earned his 1st Cavalry Division Spurs at Ft. Irwin, California, through rigorous physical testing, including running 20 miles in 3 hours, 200 push-ups in 4 minutes, and mounting and demounting a Steen. Chosen for drill sergeant school in 1998 at Ft Leonard Wood, MO, he continued a path of dedicated service, completing 11 honorable years before his discharge in September 2000.

Tommie earned his Associate Degree of Arts from Barstow College during his military service. Following his service, he advanced his theological studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and College of the Bible in Bexley, OH, and was later conferred a PhD in Philosophy with a focus on Pastoral Care. Tommie began his ministry service as an Armor Bearer under Pastor Benny (1990–1993) and was licensed as a Minister in 1996. He later served under Chaplain Kenneth Revell (1996–1998) and Pastor Franklin Culver (2002–2021). From 1996 until his passing, he faithfully served as a National Adjutant in the Church of God in Christ and also as Chief Adjutant for the Ohio West Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under Bishop Emmitt L. Nevels Sr., along with many other areas of service within the church. He lived purposefully, going on several missions which included India and Thailand. 

Driven by his love for cars and mechanics, Tommie founded TLC3B Mobile Auto Services and dedicated 24 years to the business. Though he held Bengals tickets, Tommie stayed loyal to the Cowboys. Because he loved the game, he went on to coach with the Pickerington Youth Athletic Association and Pickerington North High School Jr. Varsity and Varsity teams. His love for fellowship and community service led him to join King David Lodge #116, Prince Hall F&A Masons of Columbus, OH, and Men of Joy Ministries of Columbus, OH.

Tommie loved to travel with his family, ensuring that they went somewhere at least twice a year. Tommie had an infectious smile and a God-given laugh that not one could mock. His love for fish tanks was clear—there was one in almost every room. A former avid swimmer, he insisted on having a pool so he could host the gatherings he enjoyed. Tommie never stepped out without smelling his best, proudly keeping a collection of more than 500 colognes. His grandchildren adored their ‘PawPaw,’ and he happily let them have him wrapped around their fingers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tommie Lee Carnathan Jr., and brother Calvin Carnathan. Tommie leaves grieving hearts uplifted by the peace he now knows—his children, Keona (Louis) Rigaud of Canal Winchester, OH, Rashawn Buggs Sr. of Columbus, OH, Tavana (Darrio) Turner of Reynoldsburg, OH, whom he shared with Latrice Whiteside, Nijea Smith of Etna, OH, Elijah Buggs of Pickerington, OH, whom he shared with Latasha Smith; godson's Michael Dunlap of Columbus, OH and Jonathan Jones Jr. of Gahanna, OH; five grandchildren, Rashawn Buggs Jr., Janayla Thompson, Tavaree Turner, Amiracle Witcher, and Saint Yeboah; his mother Candace L. Richardson of Canal Winchester, OH; two sisters, Wanette Wright of New Albany, OH, Frances Sanders of Groveport, OH; two brothers, Courtney (Telese) Buggs of Columbus, OH, and Tommie Lee Carnathan III of Youngstown, OH.; and a host of family and friends.