BGEN Charles F. Luigs

Brigadier General Charles F. (Fred) Luigs passed away at his home in Niceville, FL on Friday, May 19, 2017. Fred was born on May 15, 1938 in Paducah, KY to Jake and Beulah Luigs and graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1956. He attended the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1961 as a distinguished graduate in the Air Force ROTC program. Fred completed the Air Command Staff College in 1971 and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1981. In 1972 he earned a Master of Science degree in education from Troy State University. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1961. After more than 30 years of service, Brigadier General Luigs retired as the Inspector General of the Air Force in October, 1991.
Fred met his wife of 56 years, Nancy A. Ingram, in 1957 at the University of South Carolina where he played basketball on scholarship. They were married on May 20, 1961 in Sumter SC. Fred was a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours. He flew 242 combat missions in F-4Cs in Southeast Asia, including 75 over North Vietnam, logging 381 combat flying hours. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, and Joint Service Commendation Medal. From 1977 to 1979, Brigadier General Luigs served as Commander of the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC, and in 1983, he assumed command of the 15th Air Base Wing, Hickam Air Force Base, HI. From May 1985 to March 1986, he commanded the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines. He then served as commander of the 13th Air Force at Clark.
Fred is survived by his best friend, Nancy; his two sons, Chuck (Vickie) of Richmond Hill, GA, and David (Kady) of McLean, VA; four grandchildren, Jake, Kyle, Julia, and Emily; brother Donald Luigs of Oak Ridge, TN; and niece Karen Anderson (Andy) of Nashville, TN. Fred loved to play golf with his friends and family, cheer on the GameCocks in any sport, and especially make his grandchildren laugh. He loved his family. He loved his country. And he prayed to God every night to protect them both.
It was Fred's request that his family have a private service and celebration of his life. Memorial contributions can be made to any military-affiliated charity. You may go online to offer condolences to the family and sign the guestbook at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com.