Richard W. Huggins

It is with immense sadness that we share the passing of Richard "Rick" Wayne Huggins, 73, of Freeland, Maryland. Rick left this world peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 surrounded by his children, exactly as he wanted. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late William Leroy and Catherine Marie (Staehlin) Huggins.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Rick had an endless love for his family and friends, his country, his farm, and his motorcycles.

Rick was a proud United States Navy veteran who served as a Quartermaster Second Class (QM2) in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Mariano G. Vallejo (SSBN-658) — a submarine known as the "Seagoing Cadillac with a Hell of a Kick." Rick’s role on the sub involved highly specialized navigation and ship-control duties. He was the man who helped keep the submarine on course, in position, and ready during one of the most tense periods in American history. That's a remarkable legacy! He carried that same spirit of intelligence, service, and quiet strength throughout his entire life.

He was the founder and owner of PC Net Services, where he worked any and all hours of the day. Not because he had to, but because he genuinely loved serving his lifelong customers.

Rick had a deep, rooted love for Woodland Echoes Farm. The kind of love that doesn't need explaining to anyone who ever watched him work around the farm. He loved admiring the trees that his parents planted, the lilacs, the phlox, the tulips, and the shrubs. His camera roll was filled with pictures of the dogwood blossoms, his mom’s firebush, beautiful flowers, freshly cut fields, and sunsets. The land was his sanctuary, his pride, and his peace.

THE LIGHT IN THE ROOM

Rick had a rare and extraordinary gift. He could walk into any room, any situation, any moment of darkness, and bring forth light. He showed up fully and without hesitation for every person he loved in their hardest days. Not with empty words, but with presence, positivity, and an unshakable belief that things were going to be okay.

That optimism was never passive. It was a choice Rick made every single day. Even in the midst of his own battle with cancer, he never surrendered his optimism. Despite the pain and challenges Rick faced, he often shared that he was “making progress,” and “just fine and dandy!” He chose love, grit, and purpose until his very last breath. His children were by his side as he left his vessel peacefully.

MOTORS AND MUSIC

Rick was a self-proclaimed gearhead through and through. If it had a motor, he loved it. Over the years, his toys told the story of a man who lived with great taste and greater passion. A '69 Mercury Cougar, a '71 Comet GT, a '71 750 Norton Commando, a '76 Chevy pickup affectionately known as "Ole Blue," and his most recent ride, an ‘01 Harley Davidson Dyna Glide Sport FXDX. He spent any warm day riding with his best friend Larry — even just four weeks before he passed.

Music ran just as deep in Rick's soul. He played both the baritone and the trumpet, and one of his most cherished memories was playing for his mother. He always had the best audio equipment in his cars and in his home… because if music was worth listening to, it was worth hearing with quality! A core memory is Rick blasting “Daddy’s hands” on the full-wall speaker system he had in his office. One of his greatest simple pleasures was going out to watch his best friend Larry play the drums. He was also a devoted fan of the legendary Greaseman, and those who knew Rick well heard their fair share of Greaseman references over the years.

THE NAMES HE ANSWERED TO

Rick answered proudly to many names across his years — Daddy Rick, Poppy Rick, Uncle Rick, and Ricky among the most beloved. He is survived by two of his children: Catherine "Cate" Davis and her husband Ryan, and Richard Huggins; and his five grandchildren: Jocelyn, Haley, Dominick, Sawyer, and Joanie.

To know Rick as a father was to know what it feels like to be loved unconditionally. He was his children's voice of reason and always their first phone call. Rick taught both of his children to find joy in the simple things like a morning cup of coffee, a sunrise with someone you love, a joyride, an afternoon chat, or a good home-cooked meal. Rick stood next to his children and celebrated their most memorable wins and sat right beside them in their lowest valleys. His drop-everything-and-go commitment to his kids never wavered — not one single time.

As Poppy Rick, he was nothing short of legendary. His grandchildren filled him with a pride that ran bone deep. To him, there was nothing quite like watching them do the things he loved most — playing in the dirt on the farm, riding tractors, planting a garden, catching a fish, and chasing chickens across the farm. He especially loved working on tractors with Sawyer, passing down not just the skill but the love behind it. He often talked about his childhood memories at the farm doing the exact same thing with his Dad. Between all of the tractors and tools he quickly earned the title of the coolest Poppy without even trying! Rick was so proud to pass down the land, the tractors, and the love of Woodland Echoes Farm to the next generation, exactly the way his Dad did.

Rick was lucky enough to spend 17 years with his soulmate, Jean Sturdivant. Jean brought a joy and a sense of adventure into his life that was uniquely her own. Together they treasured their weekend getaways, their morning and evening calls, and their trips to the Poconos and Jamaica. Rick loved all of Jean’s children, but Jean's daughter Sara held a very special place in Rick's heart. He cared for her as if she were his own, and few things brought him more simple joy than sharing a morning cup of coffee with her on the porch, playing music, singing with her and watching her dance, and teaching her something new.

Larry Phillips was more than Rick's best friend — he was his childhood companion and his confidant. Over 61 years, they walked through every stage and chapter of life together. Larry was an extraordinary friend, and Rick was lucky to have him.

Rick was an outstanding father-in-law to his only son-in-law Ryan Davis. He welcomed Ryan with a love like family from the very start. The two shared long conversations, great storytelling, and time well spent on the farm together. Rick took great pride in the way Ryan cared for two things he cherished most — his daughter and his farm.

Rick is also survived by his first wife, Denice Huggins; his siblings, William "Bill" Huggins and wife Jean Huggins, Linda (Huggins) Francis and husband Ron Francis, and Michael Huggins; and a wide circle of cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Nicole "Nickie" Huggins, and his sister, Janice Harris.

Perhaps no one said it better than the Greaseman himself and Rick has quoted this line more times than his kids can count: "I'm just a man. Sure, a rather bulky and handsome man, best dad ever — but still just a man."

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Family and friends are warmly invited to a visitation on Tuesday, May 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bentley Springs United Methodist Church, 419 Bentley Road, Parkton, MD 21120. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM at the church, followed immediately by a full military service at Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery in Freeland.

Family and friends are also invited to the family’s 68th annual corn roast at the farm on August 1, 2026 to celebrate his life. The corn roast is something Rick looked forward to every year. Time with friends and family on the farm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to plant trees, shrubs, and flowers at Woodland Echoes Farm in Rick's honor — a living tribute to a man who loved that land with everything he had. Please send donations to:                          https://www.gofundme.com/f/woodland-echoes-farm-fund

And if you knew Rick, you’ve probably heard him sing:"Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day! I’ve got a wonderful feeling everything’s going my way!”