Richard Russell Huggins

Richard Russell “Ricky” Huggins, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on September 25, 2025.

A proud veteran, Ricky served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His courage, discipline, and love of country were values he carried throughout his life.

Ricky was the devoted husband of Deborah Lynn Huggins, and the cherished father of Robin (Al) Butler, Rusty Huggins, Jr. (Lori), and Ryne Huggins (Jessica). He was the proud grandfather of 12, great-grandfather of 3, and step father to Nick (Rita) Hiser and Chris (Jennifer) Hiser, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ella Schuman; brothers, Charles, Bobby, and Mike Huggins; sisters, Martha Huggins, Susan Barker, and Louise Glacking. He is survived by brothers, Ellis and Terry Huggins and a sister, Ann (Al) Tebbetts.

Owner of Huggins Construction, Ricky built a lasting mark on his community through hard work and dedication. Yet his greatest passion was for the game of softball, where he earned national recognition as one of the sport’s finest. On the field, he was known as “The Huggy Bear,” celebrated for both his talent and his larger-than-life presence. Over his career, he was named 23-time All World, 8-time MVP, and a member of three Halls of Fame. He was honored as an ASA 11-time All American, USSSA and ISA Hall of Fame inductee, a member of both the 1980s and 1990s All Decade Teams, and was selected to the prestigious All Century Team.

More than the accolades, Ricky loved the friendships, competition, and joy the game brought into his life. His legacy in softball will live on through the countless teammates, friends, and admirers who shared the field with him.

Ricky’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, who were his proudest accomplishment of all.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Flanders Funeral Home in Pembroke, Georgia. The funeral service will be Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11 am at First Baptist Church in Glennville, Georgia, with interment to follow at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Cody Crowe, Stevie Bashlor, Denny Nelson, Randell Boone, John Wellington, Max Brannen, Robbie Ergle and Josh Parker.

Honorary pallbearers are: Nick Hiser, Chris Hiser and Brian Bland.

To sign the online register, please visit www.flanderspowellfuneralhome.com.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Huggins.