Heartbreaking Loss in the Auctioneering World: Junior Staggs of Puryear, TN, Dies Unexpectedly
Puryear, Tennessee — The tight-knit auctioneering community and beyond are reeling from the sudden and devastating loss of Junior Staggs, an influential mentor, dynamic performer, and beloved friend, who passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations.
Junior Staggs, the magnetic voice and visionary behind Bid Calling Boot Camp, was more than a master auctioneer — he was a teacher, a motivator, and a true believer in the power of people. From his home in Puryear, TN, he nurtured a national network of aspiring auctioneers, helping them find their voice both on and off the stage.
A native of Collinwood, TN, and an alumnus of Collinwood High School and the University of Tennessee at Martin, Junior’s lifelong love for communication eventually evolved into a trailblazing career. Through platforms like Junior Staggs and Friends: LIVE and Building YOUR Bid Calling Chant, he redefined what it meant to be an auctioneer — blending rhythm, heart, and humor in every performance.
He was also the President of Auctioneer University, and the force behind Red Ball Auction Team and Bid Last and Win, organizations that showcased his unmatched skill and his gift for bringing people together.
Those who knew Junior describe him as a man with limitless passion and unmatched kindness — someone who never hesitated to lift others up. “He was a star on the stage, but he shined even brighter off it,” a former student shared. “Junior believed in us before we believed in ourselves.”
Junior’s devotion extended far beyond his professional life. At the center of his world was his wife, Katie, his unwavering partner in life and faith. Together, they created a foundation of love and service that anchored Junior’s far-reaching influence.
As news of his death spread, messages of grief and gratitude poured in from across the country — a testament to the countless lives he impacted. Whether through a chant at a packed auction or a quiet word of encouragement to a nervous beginner, Junior left an indelible mark.
His absence is a painful silence in a world that had grown used to his booming chant and bigger-than-life presence. Yet his spirit will continue to resonate in the voices he trained, the lives he changed, and the industry he so passionately championed.
Junior Staggs is survived by his beloved wife Katie and an extended family of students, friends, and fellow auctioneers who will carry his torch forward — one chant, one bid, one heartfelt memory at a time.
He may be gone, but his echo — vibrant, kind, and unforgettable — will never fade.