Richard Duggins

Richard Duggins was one of the twelve children born to Allan Cameron Duggins and Clarice Isabella (Henson) Duggins, and one of their eight sons to serve in the country's military during World War II. After an idyllic childhood in the East Tennessee mountains, during which he was known as Red in honor of his carrot top head, Richard was sent by the Navy to the University of Texas, where he met the love of his life and wife of sixty-eight years, Willa Wayne Withers.

Following a nomadic career with IBM in which he and Willa raised five kids of their own, Dick and Willa retired in Raleigh, where they thoroughly enjoyed life, family and good friends. Dick enjoyed many roles in his life--executive, scout master, deacon, rock hound extraordinaire, gemologist, master gardener, and others. His role as husband and father was always paramount, though, and at that role he was unequalled. He lived a good life and is well-loved.

Dick is survived by Willa, currently residing in Cary, NC, his five children, Melody Duggins McFate and husband Robert of Oil City, PA, Richard Wayne Duggins of Pinos Altos, NM, David Chapman Duggins and wife Virginia of Austin, TX, James Lawrence Duggins and wife Joy of Southlake, TX, Robert Edward Duggins and wife Heidi of Raleigh, NC, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and by countless individuals touched by his kindness and compassion. The family expresses its great gratitude to the wonderful staffs at Clare Bridge of Cary and Transitions Lifecare of Raleigh for making Richard's last days peaceful and serene.

A memorial service will be held at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4921 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.