Walter R. “Ronnie” Huggins, 80, of Garden City and Rincon, GA died Saturday, March 21, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family and under the care of his wonderful Caregivers and Compassus Hospice of Savannah.
Ronnie was born May 5, 1939 in Savannah, GA. He was a 1958 graduate of Savannah High School. He proudly served in the 118th US Army Field Artillery Regiment. Later, Ronnie worked for the Savannah Sugar Refinery before joining his father-in-law Lonza James “L.J.” Usher II in construction. During that time they built houses throughout Savannah and surrounding counties, as well as establishing one of the largest truss manufacturing plants in the southeast. He became an accomplished draftsman and builder. Upon Lonza’s death, he started in his own construction business, Huggins Construction Company. During those years he quickly became a distinguished and beloved residential homebuilder throughout the coastal empire and low country of Hilton Head Island, SC. He had a tremendous passion for helping others. He took great pride in, and had a talent for, helping others achieve their dream home, spending countless hours drawing and redrawing house plans by hand. His passion as a volunteer in youth recreation would eventually lead to an appointment as the Recreation Director for Garden City, GA. He considered this a tremendous honor and took great pride in everything that he did. He is well known for his coaching and mentoring to youth. His achievements and accomplishments in this life are immeasurable. During his childhood years, he met the love of his life, Sheila Usher Huggins at the Garden City United Methodist Church. They would soon marry and start a family. Today, they have been happily married for over 63 years. His undeniable love, honor and pride for his family and Church were a true testament to his character. Ronnie never met a stranger and had a special way of bringing out the very best in others. He truly loved everyone he met. In 2006 Ronnie and his wife Sheila relocated to Navarre Beach, FL for retirement. In 2017 they returned to Rincon, GA to be closer to family and friends. Driven by his love for his family, and supported by his Caregivers, Ronnie fought hard to overcome multiple illnesses, but he has gone to be with the Lord. We will surely miss him, but we take great pride in knowing that heaven has gained a true servant.
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, his precious wife, Sheila U. Huggins also passed away.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Taylor Huggins and Walter Anderson Huggins; brother, Richard J. Huggins; in-laws, L.J. Usher and Mamie Powell Usher; and brother-in-law, Lonza James “Jimmy” Usher III.
He is survived by a daughter, Ronda Huggins; two sons, Walter (DeNorah) and Lee (Liz) Huggins; two granddaughters, Natalie Huggins (Caleb) Childers and Elizabeth Huggins (Glynn-Patten) Helmly; two grandsons, Evan (Erin) Huggins and Garrison Huggins; great granddaughter Patten Elizabeth Helmly; niece Jackie Huggins Owens (Jeff); great-niece, Victoria M. Owens; and special friend, Louise Roberson.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to all of his Caregivers. You all are true family to us.
• Nashaunda Harden• Jackie Zettler • Lorraine Smalls • Ilaree Cobb
• Kathy Smith • Susan McBride • Melissa Jones • Maggie Young
Funeral Services for both Ronnie and Sheila Huggins will be held outdoors at the Effingham County Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Springfield, GA. on April 17, 2021 at 11:00AM.
Remembrances may be given to the Garden City United Methodist Church Building Fund, 62 Varnedoe Avenue, Garden City, GA 31408.
Please sign our online guestbook at
www.bakermccullough.com
Services have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862.
www.bakermccullough.com