R. HILTON BIGGS

R. BIGGS Obituary

BIGGS, R. HILTON

Dr. R. Hilton Biggs, 81 of Alachua, FL passed away November 16, 2012. He was born at home in Bear Grass, NC May 5, 1931. He received a BS in Biological Science from East Carolina College & a MS & Ph.D. from Purdue Univ. in Plant Physiology, Biochemistry & Horticulture. In 1957 the Univ. of Florida hired him as their Plant Physiologist/ Biochemist in the Fruit Crops Dept. The National Science Foundation sent him for special post-graduate work in medical electronics & chemical toxicology.

Hilton is best known for his research on chemical aids for harvesting citrus fruit, bud dormancy in fruit trees, viruses infecting citrus, adverse effects of pesticides including the fungicide Benlate & the effect of environmental pollutants on crops. He was a leader in research on the physiological & biochemical effects of increased ozone, acid rain (from sulfur dioxide pollution) & ultraviolet light on crop plants. He generated over $600,000 in grant money for his research that resulted in over 150 publications in scientific journals, 6 books & monographs. He traveled extensively to present his results here & overseas and to consult with governmental agencies in Washington DC, private industry & the World Health Organization.

Dr. Biggs became a Full Professor (biochemist), served as Chairman of the Fruit Crops Dept. & retired as Professor Emeritus in 1992. He belonged to 12 different Professional & Honorary Societies & served on committees for them. From the U of FL Chapter he received the Senior Faculty Award of Gamma Sigma Delta. In his spare time he raised cattle, baled hay, grew blueberries, ornamental & pine trees.

Hilton is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dr. Susan V. Kossuth, their daughter Robin Rentz (Ryan); his first wife, Becky Duncan, their daughters Dixie Biggs (Delaine Miller) & Mary Gay (Joe) & their 4 children, Colin, Charlotte, Emma & Grace; 5 brothers & sisters and their children of NC: Sammy Biggs, Billy Biggs (Lolly), Dennis Biggs (Grace), Molly Stephenson (Harold), & Jean Biggs.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10am Monday, Nov. 26 in the Iona Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church at 106 SW 3rd Street, Gainesville, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Hilton's memory to First Presbyterian Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for R. BIGGS

5 Entries

Gina Hawkins

November 16, 2020

I speak for the trees when I say Dr. Biggs gave so much of his talents to all of us. I remember him taking the time to explain to our young son how to make pine needle tea when we were at his Christmas tree farm. The memory of this kindness will last a lifetime. I also knew Dr. Biggs from working in the IFAS Grants Office and, when it came time to check "Your relationship" for this post, I wanted to check friend, coworker, and teacher. He was all of these things and more. Deepest sympathy to Sue Kossuth and all of the family and friends who will miss him.

Gina Hawkins, Executive Director of Keep Alachua County Beautiful

Gina Hawkins

November 26, 2012

I was honored to have met Dr. Biggs and his widow, Dr. Sue Kossuth, during my IFAS grants specialist days in the mid-80s. Both impressed me as brilliant scientists. Years later, my family and I went to buy a Christmas tree at BK Cedars, Biggs' and Kossuth's Christmas Tree farm, and saw first-hand how they put their knowledge to work. We found a very nice tree and had a wonderful experience as Dr. Biggs explained to our young son about pine needle tea. This small encounter spoke volumes about Dr. Biggs as an educator and wonderful human being. Our son was all ears under Biggs' tutelage. I hope to get back up to the farm for another tree this season and look forward to seeing Sue and watch her continue to pass on sage advice and beautiful trees. Below are directions to the farm for anyone else who wants to honor this tradition:
BK CEDARS
Wholesale/Retail, Potted
Red Cedar (Robin Blue), Arizona Cypress (Carolina Saphire)
Farm Phone: (386)462-2060
Farm Address: Dr.'s S. V. Kossuth & R. H. Biggs, 20926 NW 75th Street, Alachua, FL 32615
Directions:. I-75 to exit 399, south on highway 441 to Alachua; left at third light onto SR 235 for 5 miles, left onto NW 75th St. for 1 1/2 miles, left at BK Christmas Tree sign, dead ends 1/4 mile at farm.

Glenn Allison

November 26, 2012

For ten years now I've bought trees from Biggs and had some great conversations with him.He was very generous when my daughter and I came out to buy a tree to plant on her dogs grave,she was very young..we talked of the butterfly farm he wished to build..and about the dogs he had and loved.I hope his dog now will find a loving home...we have many Robin Blues growing at our house named after his daughter.I really will miss him and our visits B&K..As kindred spirit I related to him and his love of trees.I wanted to have his life when I retire..growing trees and spending time outdoors where he was most at home..it is a great lose..but I know his spirit will live on forever in the trees he grew and nature will bless him for this..and his work to make this a better place to live...

morris Ellis

November 23, 2012

DR. Biggs was a great man he interview me at fruit crop and gave the job back in 1978 and i did not let him down i made him happy. i say to the wife and the family my go out to you with prayer may God bless you all.

tom tumbleson

November 23, 2012

I first met Dr. Biggs, Hilton, about 10 years ago while searching for native plant materials. I'm a native Floridian (Gainesville), but have lived in various places. Hilton and I immediately hit it off and became friends. Being that i'm a lover of nature.., Honeybees, turkeys, plant materials (from the landscape varieties to the fruit /food crops and ornamental), a former nursery owner, follower of HISTORY, and a lover of fine whiskey…., we had much to talk about.., and did. Every time I visited it seemed like we spent hours conversing. In fact, we did. Have thought of him frequently, and now I wish I had gone by more to see him.
I knew SOME of his history, was amazed by it's variety, and impressed by the extent to which he involved himself in whatever the subject matter seemed to be. Seemed to live his entire life in this manner. I cherish the time I spent with him, will remember him fondly, and simply hope that someday someone will have special things to say about me and my accomplishments as Hilton Biggs. RIP

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