David Huggins

DAVID HUGGINS Obituary David Anthony Huggins was born on January 12, 1946 as the first born, to the joy of our parents Carmen and Alston Huggins. Based on what our mother said years ago, upon birth he was always sickly and was diagnosed as having Maljo, (a spiritual illness caused through looking at a child with jealousy, admiration or love). David however, grew up to be a headstrong person with a strong, healthy physique, a captivating smile usually described as handsome, jovial and generous with a very healthy appetite for which he was known throughout his life. He loved his parents especially our mother and his younger siblings.
He married his wife Cheryl in 1988 and was a loving father to Sarah and Penniel. He prided himself in following a righteous path and held no compromises to his faith. Though his actions may have been seen to be contradictory, he really wanted to provide the best for his family. At times when we were together he would share with me his intent and discussed the probability. He however felt frustrated that his means could not accommodate that capability and would seem somewhat saddened he could not provide more for his family. He however held onto his faith. An example of the extent of such faith was when offered a job opportunity with an oil company, he declined the offer as his Sabbath was not assured much to our fathers chagrin. He was indeed very headstrong and stood up for what he believed or perceived as truth and doing the right thing.
He attended the Queens Royal College, one of our top colleges, but as related by a cousin who was at college with him, he did not particularly enjoyed the experience. He was not too much interested in the colleges activities and generally kept to himself. He joined the Cadet Force, but did not appreciate the attempted transformation to be a young soldier. He did not enjoy the training and being ordered to do punishment for infractions committed. What prompted his departure was being unjustly accused of committing an "offence" and being unjustly punished by being made to carry a rifle above his head and running around the parade ground. He quietly placed the rifle on the ground, took off the uniform and went home never to return.
It was during this period in his life when he was attracted to the Adventist faith in which he found solace and camaraderie in developing a strong sense of righteousness. Accordingly, he did not share similar thoughts and likes attributed to teenaged school boys. Our sister Charmian was upset upon attaining the age for parties, could not go since David had to go with her, as his faith prohibited parties. She remembered he was good at doing the sailor dance, but he was aptly described as a "Goody two shoes" and always made sure he was on the right side of things so he seldom got into trouble. He was a very obedient child which was a far cry from the next generation that followed.
He continued the development of his strong religious belief and became more involved with the Stanmore Seventh Day Adventist Church and his faith. The Bible became his delight and daily study, reading it and other relevant texts at every available opportunity.
He was well versed in the Word and would in later years assist Roma in answering her many questions when her interest in the faith became prevalent. However he had difficulty in having conversations with those not of the faith and withdrew himself quietly when conversations shifted from the religious focus.
David learned to play the harmonica and guitar on his own accord and carried his harmonica in his pocket wherever he went. His daughter Sarah recalled his deep love for music and in playing his harmonica and guitar, would rearrange hymns making them sound better than the original. He also enjoyed singing and was an accomplished bass singer with the Churchs musical Quartet.
He loved the rustic outdoor life and enjoyed camping. He was actively involved in the training and development of youths in the Church in addition to organizing camps to train Master Guides for which he was in his element. Though he preferred the outdoors, he made sure to be properly dressed up for church on Saturdays in the best he was able to afford. He was well known within the Churchs membership so much so that I recalled once being stopped by a policeman on the highway, who upon viewing the name Huggins on my Drivers License enquired if I knew David. I felt a sense of relief which was short lived when he said, "you are Brother Huggins brother? Why didnt you say so? Give him my regards." and proceeded to give me a ticket.
David was not prone to arduous formal study, but preferred hands-on activities. Whilst he lived at home he religiously ensured the yard was kept clean and the lawn properly maintained with a brushing cutlass. He also sold bibles for the Church and never shirked this responsibility until he migrated to the US.
Sarah recalled upon meeting David for the first time as a three year old when he was a mechanic, going under the car to see what he was doing. He was patient with her and subsequently taught her how to use tools and fix things which remain with her today. A very noticeable trait he nurtured was his incredible penmanship which was akin to calligraphy and evident from writing his name to writing letters. Dad looked forward to reading his letters with the stylish writing and flair in highlighting his letters.
Though David was very devoted to the Church for most of his life, in 2018 he became disenchanted with the Church as he had a perception of conflict with the scriptures and studied the Bible on his own. I believe he became disappointed and continuously depressed when he withdrew from the world he knew. He was no longer particular with his dapper dressing and it was apparent to me that he lost his purpose for life. He intimated to me that he had prostate cancer, but preferred to manage it on his own without medical attention. I was saddened with the change in his demeanor and gradual decline resulting in Dementia and Cerebral Atherosclerosis.
David, our Brother, you played the cards Life dealt you in the best way you could. You are now free from the pain you endured for the past three years. May you now Rest In Eternal Peace. Amen.
Services
Viewing
Monday
February 17, 2025
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
WALDON Memorial Chapel
3560 PLYMOUTH SORRENTO ROAD
Apopka, FL 32712
Celebration of Life
Monday
February 17, 2025
11:30 AM
WALDON Memorial Chapel
3560 PLYMOUTH SORRENTO ROAD
Apopka, FL 32712
Repast
Monday
February 17, 2025
1:00 PM
Place Pending
TBA
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