Photo courtesy of Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home - McKenney
Feb 5, 1932 - May 24, 2025
Uncle Dave will be truly missed, He was smart, loving funny and lit up every room he entered. He left the Liggins family with a legacy to carry on . May he rest in heaven. Sending my sincere condolences to Aunt LaVeeda and all of his loved ones he left behind..
Love you always and forever
Your Niece
Trina
Trina Freeman
August 02, 2025 | Family
Mr. Liggins was one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met. Mrs. L. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, always. It was such a pleasure to know and work with you all those many wonderful years ago. Take care and God Bless. Love, Hugs and Rainbows ~ Patricia Lindsey
Patricia Lindsey
June 25, 2025 | LAS CRUCES, NM, NM | Coworker
Very sorry for your loss, Laveeda. Dave, and you, helped make many a going away party memorable events. I'm so glad you have all those decades of memories.
Bill Richards
June 25, 2025 | Clifton, VA | Military
Dave was a fine gentleman and a welcome help to a new "butter bar" in Zweibruecken. I know he will be fondly remembered by many and hope that thought will bring comfort during the coming days.
Glenn Mitchell
June 24, 2025 | Columbia, SC | Military
My condolences, Laveeda. It was an Honor and Privilege to have know him for the short time we did in Europe. Take Care, Marlene Seaton
Marlene Seaton
June 24, 2025 | Queen Creek, AZ | Friend
Uncle Dave, your life was shared with myself and our family when you vowed to love, honor and respect our beloved Aunt until the end. So many memories that mere words cannot begin define who you were. Your eternal rest was well earned. I will always love and remember you.
Lavelle Gainey
June 07, 2025 | Chesterfield, VA | Family
Your life was defined by love, kindness, and quiet strength. You had a gentle way of making everyone feel special, and your caring heart touched all knew you. I will carry your warmth and wisdom with me always. I will miss you.
Love, your niece Carla.
Carla Smith
June 03, 2025 | Family
Do know that I share in the sorrow of your loss. Read Psalm 18:32
Jocelyn Barnwell
June 02, 2025 | South Chesterfield, VA | Friend
A Man (Angel) of great kindness and love for others!!! A true honor to have shared time with Trooper Liggins as a Buffalo Soldier Trooper of
Mark Matthews Chapter Petersburg, Virginia Inc.
9TH & 10TH (HORSE) Cavalry Association
"BUFFALO SOLDIERS"
Trooper Thomas
June 01, 2025 | Kissimmee, FL | Acquaintance
The Last Day
Friday, May 23, 2025, dawned on a perfect day, Dave and I awakened to a beautiful day in our comfortable “suite” at Commonwealth Senior Living Home located on Ridgedale Parkway, in Richmond Virginia. Fluffy white clouds wafted in the pastel blue sky.
We dressed for and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Thereafter we sauntered into the Home’s garden which was lush with buttercup yellow lilies, early roses, flower boxes and nesting birds.
Throughout the afternoon after lunch, we walked down “memory lane” recalling our achievements, the wonderful life we’ve shared and looking forward to celebrating our 54th Wedding Anniversary on September 15, 2025.
The beauty of the day continued until Dave began to become somewhat restless and uncomfortable. Therefore, he was taken by ambulance to Chippenham Hospital in Richmond Virginia at approximately 8:00 PM Friday evening.
My nephew, Lavelle Gainey, drove me to the hospital at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning where we found that Dave was on life support. We remained by his bedside praying for his recovery. Dave succumbed at approximately 4:00 PM Saturday, May 24, 2025, but the love lingers forever.
Obituary
Retired Army Sergeant First Class Dave Liggins, Jr. of Commonwealth Senior Living Home, 4931 Ridgedale Parkway, Richmond Virginia, 23834 departed this life on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Chippenham Hospital, Richmond, Virginia with his beloved wife at his side.
Dave Liggins, Jr., the third child of the late Dave, Sr. and Addie B. Liggins, was born on February 5, 1932, in Palo Verdi, Arizona. Subsequently, he was placed under the guardianship of Mr. and Mrs. (Miss Lucille) Buckley, an educated “well-to-do” childless couple with whom Dave lived with until he rejoined the Liggins family when they relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1938.
From his early years, Dave loved to learn about the world around him. He had a thirst for knowledge; he loved to read, write poetry, sing, cook and appreciated beauty, truth and honesty. He was not rude or overbearing. He was a “great guy”.
Dave served his country with honor and distinction for over 30 years, both as a career soldier and Federal Civilian employee. His service included the following highlights:
Private, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, and Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army
Served in Germany (1956 and 1976) and in the Republic of Vietnam
Earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland
Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Vietnam
(June 21, 1971 – December 21), 1975.
Received several Department of the Army Achievement Awards
Honored with the Medal for Civilian Service, particularly for his contribution to
Military Culinary Service
Dave’s commitment to service extended far beyond his military career. He was an active member of numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including:
American Legion Post #65, Richmond, VA
AMVETS Post #65
American Legion Post #210, Richmond, VA
Abram Lodge #10 (50-year member), Petersburg, VA
Petersburg Consistory #44
Shriners Temple #229, Petersburg, VA
Beaux-Twenty Club, Inc., Petersburg, VA
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Petersburg, VA
He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Richmond, VA, where he worshipped with dedication.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: brothers James C. Liggins, Sherman L. Liggins, R.P. Morris Liggins, Joe Louis Liggins; sisters: Erma Liggins, Joy Garrett, and Doris Patton. He leaves behind a loving and grateful family including: his cherished wife of 54 years, Laveeda R Liggins (“Wifey”);his son, Jonathan (Paula) Liggins; his nieces John Etta (Derrick) Phillips of Tulsa, AZ, Madeline (Perry) Washington, Phoenix, AZ, Trisha Anderson, Trina Freeman, Freda Black, Phyllis Liggins, Francine (Kelvin) Black and nephew Erwing Garrett and a host of great nieces, great nephews, relatives and friends
Family and friends of Mr. Liggins will be received from 3pm-4pm on Saturday May 31, 2025 at the Petersburg Chapel.
Burial with full honors will be scheduled at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the professional staff- Petersburg Chapel- Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 863-4411.
Read More