O. Lee Huggins Jr.

Greensboro - O. Lee Huggins, Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. passed away peacefully at home Monday, March 11 after battling lung cancer for the last 15 months. He was surrounded by his loving sisters Cindy, Rose, Melanie, partner Ed, and beloved dogs Annie, Duke and Opie. He was also surrounded by the spirit of love from his friends and extended family.

Lee was born June 11, 1958 in Fayetteville, N.C. He grew up there and graduated from Cape Fear High class of 1976. He was an excellent student, a member of the Beta Club, Drama Club, and known as the first "Colt" mascot. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1980 with a BS/BA in Accounting, was a member and treasurer of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was voted Greek Man of the Year in 1980. At E.C.U. he and his dance partner, Glenda McCall, won many first place dance contest. Throughout his life he loved to dance, especially to beach, disco, tap and ballroom music.

His corporate career as an Industrial Engineer began with Milliken Corporation in Robbins, N.C. His work ethic instilled by his father, Oscar Huggins, Sr., combined with his drive to succeed, always giving his best, resulted in numerous promotions, eventually working as National Merchandising Manager and other senior positions with Kayser-Roth Corporation in Greensboro. He completed his work career with Decision Point Marketing in Winston Salem before retiring in 1997.

Always high energy and productive, after retirement from the business world, he began a career in Theater with lead roles for Community Theater of Greensboro, Kernersville Little Theater, and Stained Glass Playhouse. Lee also played a leading role in the off Broadway Production, "The Nebula of Georgia."

Having been diagnosed and living with HIV/AIDS for 27 years he volunteered countless hours for Triad Health Project/Higher Ground, and was one of the founders of the Guilford Green Foundation, serving as co-chairman, which promotes a positive voice for the Gay and Lesbian community. He served on the boards of each of these organizations. He hosted many Dining for Friends fund raising events at his home. He was a fierce advocate for causes and projects he "believed in ". He loved the friendships (and competition)) of the Triad Softball League and Sunday Tea League Bowling.

Raised as a child in the IPH Church, he had a strong, deep, and devout faith. His paternal grandmother, Mozelle Huggins was a minister, and had a tremendous influence in his spiritual life, as he lived with her during his teenage years. During his adult years he was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ where he served as an usher. His church family supported and loved Lee for which he was profoundly grateful.

He was predeceased by his mother Peggy Jackson Huggins. He is survived by his father Oscar L. Huggins, Sr., and his sisters Cynthia H. Lowery, (Robert), Rose H. Avery (Terry), Melanie H. Pope (Kirissia) and partner Ed "Eddie" Eklund. In addition he is survived by nephews and nieces Christopher Pope, Beatrice Kincaid, Joseph Avery, Terri Carr, Terry Avery, Jr. Great nephews and nieces, Sloan Kincaid, Natalie Kincaid, Bentley Pope, Kayla Carr, Kari Carr, Tyler Carr, Christopher Avery.

Visitation will be at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro on Thursday, March 14 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Celebration of Life service will be held at Congregational United Church of Christ, 400 W. Radiance Drive, Greensboro on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 pm. Burial will be in his family plot at Old Bluff Cemetery in Godwin, N.C. on Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers Lee has requested donations be made to Guilford Green Foundation/Endowment Fund, 301 Summit Avenue Suite 312, Greensboro, NC 27401 or Triad Health Project/Higher Ground, 801 Summit Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405.

Special thanks and gratitude go to Dr. John Bartlett and staff of the Infectious Disease Clinic of Duke University Center for 25 years of compassionate and loving care, to Jennifer Tenhover, ANP, BC, AOCN, Jennifer "Chapel Hill" Richmond and cancer treatment center nurses/staff at Duke UMC. Also to Mrs. Mary "Pudding," the phlebotomist, who provided medical and "spiritual" care for 15 years and Dr. John Lalonde and staff at Piedmont Family Practice of Greensboro. The way these individuals and countless others touched Lee's life in his journey must be celebrated and remembered. He and his family are forever grateful.

Online condolences may be made @ www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.

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Greensboro - O. Lee Huggins, Jr. of Greensboro, N.C. passed away peacefully at home Monday, March 11 after battling lung cancer for the last 15 months. He was surrounded by his loving sisters Cindy, Rose, Melanie, partner Ed, and beloved dogs Annie, Duke and Opie. He was also surrounded by the spirit of love from his friends and extended family.

Lee was born June 11, 1958 in Fayetteville, N.C. He grew up there and graduated from Cape Fear High class of 1976. He was an excellent student, a member of the Beta Club, Drama Club, and known as the first "Colt" mascot. He graduated from East Carolina University in 1980 with a BS/BA in Accounting, was a member and treasurer of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was voted Greek Man of the Year in 1980. At E.C.U. he and his dance partner, Glenda McCall, won many first place dance contest. Throughout his life he loved to dance, especially to beach, disco, tap and ballroom music.

His corporate career as an Industrial Engineer began with Milliken Corporation in Robbins, N.C. His work ethic instilled by his father, Oscar Huggins, Sr., combined with his drive to succeed, always giving his best, resulted in numerous promotions, eventually working as National Merchandising Manager and other senior positions with Kayser-Roth Corporation in Greensboro. He completed his work career with Decision Point Marketing in Winston Salem before retiring in 1997.

Always high energy and productive, after retirement from the business world, he began a career in Theater with lead roles for Community Theater of Greensboro, Kernersville Little Theater, and Stained Glass Playhouse. Lee also played a leading role in the off Broadway Production, "The Nebula of Georgia."

Having been diagnosed and living with HIV/AIDS for 27 years he volunteered countless hours for Triad Health Project/Higher Ground, and was one of the founders of the Guilford Green Foundation, serving as co-chairman, which promotes a positive voice for the Gay and Lesbian community. He served on the boards of each of these organizations. He hosted many Dining for Friends fund raising events at his home. He was a fierce advocate for causes and projects he "believed in ". He loved the friendships (and competition)) of the Triad Softball League and Sunday Tea League Bowling.

Raised as a child in the IPH Church, he had a strong, deep, and devout faith. His paternal grandmother, Mozelle Huggins was a minister, and had a tremendous influence in his spiritual life, as he lived with her during his teenage years. During his adult years he was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ where he served as an usher. His church family supported and loved Lee for which he was profoundly grateful.

He was predeceased by his mother Peggy Jackson Huggins. He is survived by his father Oscar L. Huggins, Sr., and his sisters Cynthia H. Lowery, (Robert), Rose H. Avery (Terry), Melanie H. Pope (Kirissia) and partner Ed "Eddie" Eklund. In addition he is survived by nephews and nieces Christopher Pope, Beatrice Kincaid, Joseph Avery, Terri Carr, Terry Avery, Jr. Great nephews and nieces, Sloan Kincaid, Natalie Kincaid, Bentley Pope, Kayla Carr, Kari Carr, Tyler Carr, Christopher Avery.

Visitation will be at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro on Thursday, March 14 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Celebration of Life service will be held at Congregational United Church of Christ, 400 W. Radiance Drive, Greensboro on Friday, March 15 at 6:30 pm. Burial will be in his family plot at Old Bluff Cemetery in Godwin, N.C. on Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers Lee has requested donations be made to Guilford Green Foundation/Endowment Fund, 301 Summit Avenue Suite 312, Greensboro, NC 27401 or Triad Health Project/Higher Ground, 801 Summit Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405.

Special thanks and gratitude go to Dr. John Bartlett and staff of the Infectious Disease Clinic of Duke University Center for 25 years of compassionate and loving care, to Jennifer Tenhover, ANP, BC, AOCN, Jennifer "Chapel Hill" Richmond and cancer treatment center nurses/staff at Duke UMC. Also to Mrs. Mary "Pudding," the phlebotomist, who provided medical and "spiritual" care for 15 years and Dr. John Lalonde and staff at Piedmont Family Practice of Greensboro. The way these individuals and countless others touched Lee's life in his journey must be celebrated and remembered. He and his family are forever grateful.

Online condolences may be made @ www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.