FRANKLIN – Bernard Huggins, 86, passed away Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.
Born Feb. 1, 1935, in Macon County, he was the son of the late Forrest Huggins and Ruth Parrish Huggins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Sadie Huggins; two brothers, Henderson Huggins and D.L. Huggins; sister, Annette Huggins; and grandson, Benjamin Hilliard.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Franklin Huggins; daughter, Lisa Hilliard (Joe) of Franklin; granddaughter, Michaela Brooks (Aaron) of Franklin; sister, Joyce Kinsland of Franklin; sister-in-law Irene Huggins of Franklin; two nephews, Joe Huggins and Darwin Huggins; and two nieces, Glynda Johnson and Ann Ayers.
Bernard retired after 36 years from Nantahala Lumber Co., where he worked as yard foreman. He enjoyed spending his time raising cattle and working on his farm in the Burningtown community. He was an avid coon hunter and a long-time member of the Macon County Coon Hunters Association.
He seldom met a stranger, and if he did they usually parted as friends. He will be remembered for his incredible generosity and his willingness to help anyone in need. He was a man with a strong faith in God who lived his faith through his actions more than words. He faithfully attended Central Baptist Church for over 57 years.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the chapel of Macon Funeral Home. The Revs. Don Moffitt, Jeremy Gibbs and Gary McCoy officiated. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at Macon Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Joe Huggins, Darwin Huggins, Stan Ayers, Michael Johnson, Jeremy McConnell and Doug Welch.
Honorary pallbearers were Bud McClure, Jim Fouts, Mike Fouts, Gerald Fouts, Frank Hunter, Joe Jenkins, Lou Brown, Ralph Pitts, Wiley Hedden, members of Central Baptist Church’s Brotherhood and members of the Macon County Coon Hunters Association.
Memorial donations can be made to Central Baptist Church’s Brotherhood Mission and can be mailed to: 888 Dowdle Mountain Road, Franklin, NC 28734.
Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.