Joel Huggins, 87, went to be with the Lord on May 16, 2022.
He is survived by his children, Sherry Huggins, Andy Huggins, Paula Morris (Jeff); grandchildren Jerrica McEver, Ansley Siffles (Colt), Drew Huggins, Stewart Huggins, Emily Morris, Zoe Morris; great-grandchildren, Avrie Graham, Luna Huggins, Link Huggins, Lucus Carney, Liam Siffles; brother, Jerry Huggins; sisters, Glenda Davis and Katherine McClure; and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
Joel was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Coker Huggins; father, Cecil Huggins; mothers, Vera Smith Huggins and Delta Page Huggins; brothers, Troy, Sonny, and Lebron Huggins; and sisters, Orene Bowman, Wilma Neal, and Deauana Fitzpatrick.
Joel grew up in West Armuchee Valley, attended West Armuchee School, and graduated from Tallulah Falls School in 1954. He married the love of his life in 1957. He served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1960. After farming for several years, he trained as a diesel mechanic and made his career in diesel shops in Chattanooga and Dalton until his retirement.
Joel was a long-time member of Pleasant Hill and Rock Spring United Methodist Churches. He served as a lay leader in both churches. He was a member of the LaFayette Camp of Gideons International. He had a heart for international mission trips and made several to Antigua, Grenada, and Peru. His favorite trip was a tour of the Holy Land with a favorite stop at the Garden of Gethsemane.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the LaFayette Camp of the Gideons International so that Bibles may be placed in his name.
A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28.
Family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 12-2 p.m. with the service to follow.
Interment will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.