HUGGINS, Joel “Andy”
Joel Andrew “Andy” Huggins went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 59 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Barbara Coker Huggins. He is survived by his sons, Drew and Stewart, two grandchildren Luna and Link Huggins, sisters Sherry Huggins and Paula (Je ) Morris, four nieces Jerrica McEver, Ansley (Colt) Si es, Emily (Spencer) Fogelman, oe Morris, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Andy was a lifelong resident of Walker County, predominately in West Armuchee. He was a 1981 graduate of LaFayette High School. After high school, he enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard as a Security Policeman. He advanced to a Master Sergeant and served two years of active duty with the United States Air Force after 9 11. During that time, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (the National Guard equivalent of the Bron e Star) for exemplary service. He retired in 2003.
After returning from Basic Training, he took a job in the Walker County Jail. After completing his POST training, he became a Sheri ’s Deputy, a job he held for over 30 years. He rose to become a Sergeant and a night shift supervisor. After retiring from the Sheri ’s Department, he went on to be a Police O cer with Rossville Police Department until his retirement.
Andy was a protector and a leader. He a ected many lives in his career and life, always willing to do what was necessary regardless of the cost to himself. His selfless actions re ected his loving heart. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 7, at Pleasant Hill UMC. A gathering for family friends will take place at the church prior to the service after 2 p.m.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
SMILE BECAUSE HE LIVED
You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn back, or you can do what he would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
— Author Unknown
REMEMBER ME Remember me in quiet days, while raindrops whisper on your pane. But in your memories have no grief, let just the joy we knew remain. Remember me when evening stars look down on you with steadfast eyes. Remember if once you wake to catch a glimpse of red sunrise. And when your thoughts do turn to me, know that I would not have you cry. But live for me and laugh for me, when you are happy, so am I. Remember an old joke we shared; remember me when spring walks by. Think once of me when you are glad, and while you live, I shall not die.
— Author Unknown