Joseph R. Huggins, age 88, passed away May 31, 2017 at Bloomington Hospital in Bloomington, IN. Born July 22, 1928, in Jackson, Mississippi, he was the son and only child of Dr. Isaac Clifton Huggins and Lucile Hendrix Huggins.
Growing up in Jackson, he graduated from Central High School in 1946, and from Millsaps College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Afterwards, he studied Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama. From 1950 to 1954, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and was stationed in New Jersey and Germany.
He married Barbara Ann Walker in 1955 in Jackson, MS, and his career as an engineer in the aerospace and television industries took them to Eglin Air Force Base near Ft. Walton Beach, FL, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL, and to RCA in Memphis, TN as an electrical Test Engineer. In 1971, they moved to Bloomington, IN, where he worked at RCA until his retirement in 1988. During his time with RCA, he had temporary engineering assignments at RCA's manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, Brazil, and Mexico.
After retirement, he was an electronics instructor at Ivy Tech Community College and at Otis Elevator in Bloomington. He also worked part-time at Bloomington Hospital, and served six years as a volunteer driver for the Red Cross. He was a member of the former Bloomington Central Lions Club, the Bloomington Lions Club, and the Monroe County Radio Control Club.
In Bloomington, he had been a 21-year member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. Earlier, he had also been a member of United Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Community Church, Bible Study Fellowship, and a Men's Monday Morning Bible Study. The fellowship and teaching in each of these were significant and enriching for him in his Christian walk.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1980 and by his mother in 1982. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, sons Cliff Huggins (Cynthia) of Bloomington, and Mike Huggins (Terri) of Greentown, IN, and daughter Elizabeth Clark (Dan) of Naperville, IL. He is also survived by grandchildren Jennifer Stauffer, Daniel Huggins, Mallory Huggins Brown, Jared Huggins, and Emily Spencer; and one great-grandson Jackson Spencer.
The funeral service will be held Monday, June 5 at 11:00AM at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, with Pastor Tom Ellsworth of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church officiating. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home from 9:00AM to 11:00AM prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Southern Hills Youth for Christ, or the faith organization of one's choice.
Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFryeFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home.
6 Entries
August 4, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 1, 2017
Evelyn Foster
Dear Barbara
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Allen and I so enjoyed our friendship when Allen was living, as I have been blessed with your friendship.
God bless you
Evelyn Foster, Tucson, AZ
June 6, 2017
JoAnn Beggs
Dear Barb and Family: I stand with you in prayer for comfort and peace in your loss of Joe. You know how much I have always admired and loved you through the years and am sure that He will strengthen and sustain you now as always. I am so sorry not to have been with you in person at Joe's funeral. I send you all my love and ongoing prayers and hugs too.
June 5, 2017
Bill & Nancy Cowden
We were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Both Bill and I always enjoyed working with Joe at Bloomington Hospital. He was always kind to everyone and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 5, 2017
Kathy Nesbitt
Barbara,
I realized too late that Joe had recently passed and that his service was today. I thought I saw him outside working near your shed recently. I am so sorry for your loss. I will let the Edgertons know.
June 5, 2017
Richard Leyda
My deepest sympathy to you Barbara, Cliff and the family in the loss of your husband and father. I always enjoyed seeing you Barbara and Joe at ECC. I have told Carole and at times she understands. I pray for your peace and comfort at this time. God Bless you all.
Dick Leyda
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Funeral services provided by:
Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home4150 East Third St, Bloomington, IN 47401
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more