Mr. Michael A. Duggins

April 2, 1969 - April 29, 2020

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, mandated by Governor Roy Copper the funeral of Mr. Michael A. Duggins will be by invitation only. The Heart of a Giant A Giver to All Michael Adrean Duggins The Beginning of the Journey On April 2, 1969 in Utica, New York, the family of the late David E. Duggins and Minnie Duggins were blessed with the arrival of a son, Michael Adrean Duggins. The youngest of four children, very early on Michael exhibited a loving and compassionate personality. After spending his early years in Utica, NY, the family later relocated to Robersonville, NC. Education, Affiliations and Vocations Michael, affectionately known as Big Mike, attended Martin County Schools, graduating from Roanoke High School in 1986. After high school Michael arrived on the campus of Elon University, and the rest we can say is history. He was a member of the Elon Phoenix Football Team and according to his teammates he was their “spirit animal”. Bigger than life and a great competitor, that was Michael Duggins. He was also a member of the Elon Gospel Choir. In the spring of 1989 Michael, along with his line brothers “The Furious Five”, became a brother of the Sigma Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Incorporated. Michael truly loved his fraternity. He served the chapter as Basileus from 1989 -1990 and was a member for 31 years. Later while living in Farmville, NC, Michael was active in the Alpha Omicron Chapter, Rocky Mount, NC. Michael graduated from Elon with a BA in Mass Communication. However, his heart never left Elon. It was there that he met some lifelong friends. As an Alumna, he served as President of Elon Black Alumni Network, the highlight of his presidency was the establishment of the EBAN website and Facebook page. After graduating from Elon University, Michael began a very successful career in manufacturing and food service. From Perdue Farms, Sara Lee, High Liner Foods, Global Blue Technologies and his final assignment as Operations Manager for Sherwin Williams in Salisbury MD, Michael left an indelible impression on his employees and management teams. He was very successful because he believed in people and he invested his all into making others reach their full potential. With all his professional accolades his personality is what made him the man he was. Service and Uplift Michael’s life exemplified his dedication to the uplifting and giving back to the communities he loved through mentorship, volunteerism and brotherhood. In 1992, Michael became a member of the Golden Star Lodge #776 PHA, Robersonville NC. He organized charitable events that contributed monetarily to causes he championed. He mentored the male youth independently and started an after-school initiative “Men of Distinction” in Farmville, NC. After the joy of his life was born, his son Myles, Michael took an even more personal dedication to the youth by becoming a foster parent. He fostered several young boys, providing them both love and guidance. Michael was generous with both his time and his talents. He inspired us all. Passions and Pursuits Big Mike loved a good cigar and listening to good music. He loved all genres especially Southern Soul, Jazz and Gospel Quartets. He loved attending music festivals and concerts. One of his greatest passions was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle…or as he called it “his Boo”. It was through his love of riding that he was embraced by the biker community all over. He would host a Soulful Sunday in Tarboro NC and riders from all over the ENC and the Piedmont would show up. They loved to ride but they loved the camaraderie that Michael extended to everyone. He was a faithful member of the Street Hawks MC of Greenville, NC and he loved his brothers. The members fondly referred to as him “Bigg Boss”. He was welcomed in all circles because he had a generous spirit and truly loved people. Big Mike passions were as diverse as he was. He was an avid reader and loved long discussions that stimulated critical thinking. Boating became one of his favorite pastimes and he even named his boat after his beloved mother “Miss Minnie”. Big Mike enjoyed taking his boat out and sharing that experience with others via Facebook Live…. of course, music was the backdrop. Within his commentary, he was always encouraging others to pursue their passions. The Entertainer Always the life of the party (Michael held “court” in the parking lot at Elon’s Homecoming), there was never a dull moment with Big Mike around. With his James Earl Jones voice, there was never a quiet moment either. He could light up a room with his larger than life presence. A stand-up comedienne on the inside, Big Mike could tell a story or recount an event in such a comedic fashion everyone would be in stiches. His Facebook tales garnered so many comments because he was able to make you think you were there with him. Michael was a tsunami life force! The Wrap…Turning on the Porch Light As we leverage the spirit of this amazing giant to propel us forward, know this! To leave a legacy that passes on from generation to generation requires that our leaders must turn on the porch light. Legacy leaders operate with two things; Clarity and Energy! Clarity of thought is what Michael delivered as he spoke with confidence and supporting rationale. He chose his words carefully. Clarity of story was delivered as he peacefully shared his love with the Lord on the water. He took the time to think and dream. Then there was Michael’s energy. Michael ignited others with his enthusiasm and the ability to push the boundaries of others to succeed. Michael operated with a sense of urgency, which means that he did not take a day off. Instead, he asked the Lord for strength to help him see it through. As we keep his spirit in us, remember that he set the bar for what legacy leaders should do consistently. Through Christ, he was able to turn on the porch light for family and friends, as his life was a beacon of refuge. He lives through others Although Michael transitioned from work to reward on Wednesday April 29, 2020 Big Mike’s smile, infectious laugh, stern voice, and huge heart will forever be etched in our hearts. He, nor his legacy will ever be forgotten. He was deeply loved, and his life was a true reflection of his love for God. Michael truly demonstrated through deeds that he was the hands and feet of God while he was here physically on earth. As Michael journey transcends, he leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory; his son Myles Duggins, Snow Hill, NC, two sisters, Patricia Duggins, Raleigh, NC, Beatrice Davis-Duggins (Larry), Baltimore, MD; one brother, David Earl Duggins, Jacksonville, Fl; stepfather Joe Jennings (deceased): seven nieces and nephews , Shanell Duggins, Jackie Cheng (Andrew), Amber Duggins, Torian Davis, Dorian Duggins, Shadee Haustein and Jayda Kaiser; seven uncles, Lewis A. Bell (Jenette), Baltimore, MD, Gary Bell (Barbara), Philadelphia, PA, Ray Chance (Elizabeth) Raleigh, NC, Galvin Chance (Stephanie) Woodstock, GA, Ira Ward (deceased), Colon Bell (deceased), Billy Chance (deceased); four aunts, Elsie Silva (Reggie), Philadelphia, PA and Yvonne Bell Parmley, Philadelphia, PA, Juanita Chance, New York, NY, Janie Chance (deceased); a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; brothers of the heart, Ricky Congleton, Chauncey Congleton, Ervin Harris, Jeff Wilkins, Andrew and John Wiley Carson, Craig Mottley, Perez Thomas and Dr. Antwain Tate Goode; sisters of the heart, Sandra J Taylor, Shuronica Anderson, Priscilla Awkard, Tisha Bush, Mimi Jefferson and Raquel Coulbourn; families of the heart, Cora Wilson and Family, Pastor Bernadine Anthony and Family and his brothers of Sigma Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. The family is blessed that Michael spent his last days in time with his soulmate, Heyshia Tillman and his animal children, Que and Ghost.