George Albert "Al" Huggins

George Albert "Al" Huggins, age 79, of Chesterfield, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home. Pastor Jeff Gardner and Brent Taylor will officiate the service. In accordance with Al’s wishes, his cremated remains will be spread by family among the daylily gardens he so lovingly cared for on his property.

Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects from 5:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home, as well as at other times at the family home.

Al was born on December 2, 1946, in Columbia, South Carolina, the son of the late George Colon and Mary Emma Miles Huggins. A graduate of Eau Claire High School in Columbia, he went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military term, Al came back to Columbia a handsome, tall marine and caught the eye of the love of his life, the former Sylvia Shaw. They married in 1968. Al soon became very close to Sylvia’s family and his dream of living in the country became reality as the two moved to Chesterfield and began their life.

Al dedicated over 25 years to Sandhill Telephone Company, retiring as the inside supervisor. A faithful member of Shiloh Methodist Church, he led the annual church decoration committee during Christmas for many years and was an active member of the Shiloh Methodist New Hope Sunday School Class. His commitment to his community extended to the Chesterfield Masonic Lodge #220, where he was recently honored with his 50-year pin.

Known for his green thumb, Al’s talent for cultivating beautiful flower gardens and daylilies was admired by many. He took great pride in operating his greenhouse and sharing his passion through annual daylily tours. Al was also creative and artistic. He enjoyed crafts such as stained-glass work, glass cutting, and designing Chrismon ornaments. He led painting classes for many years and treasured his Swarovski crystal collection, particularly his Iona Crystal pieces.

Al was a proud member of the Shiloh bicycle group affectionately known as “Sandy’s Heroes.” He also embraced his role as the self-proclaimed “CEO” and mascot, fondly called “The Old Buzzard,” of the Chesterfield Social. Known for his outgoing personality, which occasionally included the gift of gab, he was often seen driving his little red pickup looking for someone that needed a "little stirring up." Above all, Al treasured his role as “Papa Al” to his grandchildren, a joy he held dear above all else.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Huggins.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia S. Huggins; his son, Todd (Stephenie) Huggins; grandchildren, Thomas and Shaw Huggins; along with many extended family members and his (favorite 4-legged son) “Chewy.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shiloh Methodist Church New Hope Sunday School Class, 3154 Hwy. 102, Chesterfield, SC 29709 or to a charity of one's choice.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC & The MRC Crematory are serving the Huggins family. For more information, please visit www.mrcfuneralhome.com.