Obituary for John Robert Huggins
John R. Huggins, Sr., a native of Brevard whose roots go back in North Carolina to the 1750s, died July 18th, 2022, born June 15th, 1938. He was the son of Margaret Sturtzel Huggins and Everett Carl Huggins. He was preceded in death by his brothers Everett Huggins Jr., Gilbert Huggins, and his niece Susie Bender.
A graduate of Brevard College, Western Carolina University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was the head of the science department at Guy B. Phillips Junior High in Chapel Hill, was principal at Pisgah Forest Elementary and Brevard Junior High School, and the Assistant Superintendent for Transylvania County Schools until his retirement.
John was active in a number of civic organizations including the Brevard Jaycees and the Elks Lodge, where he was recognized with life membership. John served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Arts Council and was a past president of the Transylvania County Arts Council. He served on the board of the Transylvania County Social Services, the Blue Ridge Sons of the American Revolution, and the Davidson River Cemetery. John was also the Co-Chairman of the Kimzey-Tilson Teacher Supply Closet.
John was a Sunday School Teacher, member of the vestry, and Jr. Warden at St. Philips Episcopal Church and Jr. Warden at All Saints Anglican Church. He was a board member at both the Transylvania County Retired School Personnel, where he also served as chairman of their fundraising committee, and the Transylvania County historical association. He was a dedicated member of the Democratic Party, past president of the Transylvania County Democratic Party, and officer in the Little River Precinct Committee.
John worked tirelessly to serve the Transylvania Community and all of Western North Carolina. His family will remember him for his incredible generosity, humor, and compassion. John held the outdoors close to his heart, especially the mountains and the beach. He was an avid birdwatcher, fisher, hunter, and outdoorsman. John was also a devoted fan of the UNC Tar Heels, an advocate of public education, and enjoyed genealogy research. He loved spending time gardening in the place he held dear, Woodbridge Farm.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rebekah “Becky” Huggins, son John R. Huggins Jr. and wife Bobby of Pisgah Forest, daughter Margie Huggins of Pisgah Forest, grandchildren Margaret Huggins Woodbridge and husband Joe Tuohey of Asheville and East Lansing, MI, Henry Roberts of Raleigh, Mary Creasman and husband William of Pisgah Forest, John Breese Huggins of Mooresville, nieces and nephews Gilbert Huggins and wife Pat of Seneca, SC, Cherie Huggins Mason of Etowah, Rick Huggins and wife Mary-Ann of Mars Hill, Keith Huggins of Brevard, Becky Wylie and husband Bill of Buford, GA, Chris Scruggs of Granite Falls, Martha Hudson Goodwin and husband Robert of Rock Hill, SC, a number of grand-nieces and nephews, as well as Laurent Augier and godson Jesse Roberts.
Graveside services will be held at St. Paul's in the Valley Episcopal Cemetery on July 31st, 2022, at 1 o’clock for all who wish to attend. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Transylvania County art council and Bread of Life Community Food Kitchen in Brevard.
A graduate of Brevard College, Western Carolina University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was the head of the science department at Guy B. Phillips Junior High in Chapel Hill, was principal at Pisgah Forest Elementary and Brevard Junior High School, and the Assistant Superintendent for Transylvania County Schools until his retirement.
John was active in a number of civic organizations including the Brevard Jaycees and the Elks Lodge, where he was recognized with life membership. John served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Arts Council and was a past president of the Transylvania County Arts Council. He served on the board of the Transylvania County Social Services, the Blue Ridge Sons of the American Revolution, and the Davidson River Cemetery. John was also the Co-Chairman of the Kimzey-Tilson Teacher Supply Closet.
John was a Sunday School Teacher, member of the vestry, and Jr. Warden at St. Philips Episcopal Church and Jr. Warden at All Saints Anglican Church. He was a board member at both the Transylvania County Retired School Personnel, where he also served as chairman of their fundraising committee, and the Transylvania County historical association. He was a dedicated member of the Democratic Party, past president of the Transylvania County Democratic Party, and officer in the Little River Precinct Committee.
John worked tirelessly to serve the Transylvania Community and all of Western North Carolina. His family will remember him for his incredible generosity, humor, and compassion. John held the outdoors close to his heart, especially the mountains and the beach. He was an avid birdwatcher, fisher, hunter, and outdoorsman. John was also a devoted fan of the UNC Tar Heels, an advocate of public education, and enjoyed genealogy research. He loved spending time gardening in the place he held dear, Woodbridge Farm.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rebekah “Becky” Huggins, son John R. Huggins Jr. and wife Bobby of Pisgah Forest, daughter Margie Huggins of Pisgah Forest, grandchildren Margaret Huggins Woodbridge and husband Joe Tuohey of Asheville and East Lansing, MI, Henry Roberts of Raleigh, Mary Creasman and husband William of Pisgah Forest, John Breese Huggins of Mooresville, nieces and nephews Gilbert Huggins and wife Pat of Seneca, SC, Cherie Huggins Mason of Etowah, Rick Huggins and wife Mary-Ann of Mars Hill, Keith Huggins of Brevard, Becky Wylie and husband Bill of Buford, GA, Chris Scruggs of Granite Falls, Martha Hudson Goodwin and husband Robert of Rock Hill, SC, a number of grand-nieces and nephews, as well as Laurent Augier and godson Jesse Roberts.
Graveside services will be held at St. Paul's in the Valley Episcopal Cemetery on July 31st, 2022, at 1 o’clock for all who wish to attend. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Transylvania County art council and Bread of Life Community Food Kitchen in Brevard.