Thomas Harley Huggins

September 4, 1947 - July 29, 2020

Thomas Harley Huggins, 72 of Rector, passed from the cares of this life to be with Jesus on Wednesday July 29, 2020 at his residence. He was born on September 4, 1947 in Paragould to the late Clayton and Virgeen Huggins. Tommy proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring after 39 years of active service, and then serving 15 plus years as the Clay County Veteran’s Service Officer. He was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and was also active in the Clay County Cattlemen Association, Rector VFW Post 10480, American Legion of Piggott and The Grand Lodge of Arkansas. Tommy enjoyed tending to his cows, aggravating his family, planting his garden each year, working on the family farm, fishing and helping anyone, including his veterans that he served. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother: Jerry Huggins. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years: Joyce Tate Huggins; son: Jeremy Huggins; stepson: Derrick Dawson; brother: CD Huggins; sister: Janice Eaton; grandkids: Emily, Brittni, and Kostalynn Huggins, Hannah Martin, Cody Dawson and Heather Percifull; great-grandkids: Noah and Avery Percifull and Kipton Dawson. He is also survived by his border collie: Tate and a host of other special relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday August 1, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home in Rector. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Kenny Burns and Josh Vangilder officiating. Interment will be held at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. Following the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, no more than 100 people will be allowed to gather inside of Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home at one time and practice social distancing, keeping a 6-foot distance between one another. Face masks are required to enter the building. Those who wish may sign the online guestbook at www.irbyfuneralhome.com