Hal Moore Huggins Jr.

Hal Moore Huggins Jr., age 89, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024. He was born September 7, 1935 in Dandridge, TN to Hal Moore Huggins and Rosa Gentry Huggins and was welcomed into the family by his beloved sister, Doris Ann. He graduated from East Knoxville High and served in the US Army reaching the rank of Sergeant E5. Hal played football for Carson Newman College and graduated from the University of Tennessee. Hal and his wife, Pat, began their family life in Knoxville, TN but they spent most of the latter years of their life in Maiden, NC.

His professional career took him away from Knoxville, but he and his wife, Pat, always considered Tennessee home. Hal worked for Burlington Industries in Chattanooga, TN, Greenville, SC, Burlington, NC and Jamestown, NC. He finished his career with Ethan Allen Furniture where he managed the southeastern transportation division in Maiden, NC. Hal worked tirelessly to manage a smooth running office and a spit spot clean warehouse. He was known to ferry his employees to work in the snow to ensure nationwide service continued when local weather threatened to halt operations.

Hal was an avid sportsman playing softball and basketball in church and recreation leagues. His first baseman’s mitt was well broken in and stopped many a wild throw as he caught out even the fastest runners. Hal's awesome hook shot soared over the heads of the tallest defenders, securing two points with nothing but net. His interest in staying fit and sports continued throughout his life.

Hal and his wife were members of the First Baptist Church in Maiden, NC. Previously, they were members of the First Baptist Church in Graham, NC where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. In his later years, Hal enjoyed socializing with the men at the American Legion and Brookwood Restaurant in Maiden. He was a one of a kind person and a loyal friend for life. Hal was trusting and generous to a fault, giving and expecting nothing in return. He made an intentional effort to overcome his early life experiences and give his children a better life.

Hal was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Jo Tillery Huggins; a son, John Alan Huggins; his parents and his sister. He is survived by a son, Joe Huggins and wife, Debbie of Southport, NC; two daughters, Joan Shannon and husband, John of Saxapahaw, NC, and Jane Endicott and husband, Eric of Sanford, FL; and four grandchildren, Thomas Huggins, Jack Huggins, Samuel Endicott, and Elizabeth Endicott.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice LifeCare Center of Wilmington, NC where a uniquely caring environment afforded the opportunity for family members to room in and care for Hal continuously during the last two weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare,1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, www.lifecare.org.

Graveside service with reception to follow will take place Saturday, November 9th, meeting at the graveside at 11am at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 W. Adair Dr., Knoxville, TN 37918. Rev. Roger Worley officiating. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com.