George R. Huggins, 89, of Rock Island, formerly of Sherrard, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Avonlea Cottage, Milan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Milan. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Avenue, Milan, with the Recitation of the Rosary at 1:00 p.m. Burial with military honors by the Milan American Legion Post 569 will be in the Sherrard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to the Knights of Columbus Chalice Fund, a testament to George's enduring commitment to his faith and community.

George was born on February 4, 1936, in Rock Island, a son of Edwin Lavern "Mike" and Ruth (Greenwood) Huggins. He graduated from Sherrard High School in 1954, and went on to serve his country with honor in the U.S. Army, enlisting in 1957. George was honorably discharged in 1967. George continued his education at Western Illinois University and graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. George's commitment to service continued throughout his life, marked notably by his dedication to the funeral profession as he co-owned the Kirk and Huggins Funeral Home in Orion alongside his dear friend, Dave Kirk. He also managed the Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery for over 20 years.

George enjoyed a long and loving partnership with his wife, Catherine L. "Katie" Huggins, whom he married on September 12, 1959. Their journey together spanned nearly six decades until her passing on May 7, 2019. George was a devoted father to his sons, Michael, Mark, and Rob, and he took immense joy in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George will be remembered not only for his warmth and kindness but also for his active role in the community. He was an active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan, where he engaged in many initiatives that served others. As a past chairman of the building finance committee at Mary Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Orion, George worked diligently to ensure the growth and well-being of his spiritual home. His devotion also extended into his leadership roles with the Knights of Columbus, where he held the titles of past Grand Knight, Navigator, and Grand Deputy. He served on various boards, including the Orion School Board and the Henry County Board, and made meaningful contributions to the Richland Grove Township Cemetery Board and the Rock Island Rotary Club.

Those left to cherish George's memory include his sons, Mark (Linda) Huggins, Milan and Rob (Kelie) Huggins, East Moline; grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Huggins, Bettendorf, Matthew (Michaela) Huggins, East Moline, Emily (Jason) McDowell, Taylor Ridge, Tyler (Sierra) Huggins, Burlington, and Michele (Payton) Martin, Bettendorf; 12 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, John William (Peggy) Schaechter, Viola; and special friends, Brian and Sue Brieby.

George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Katie; and a son, Michael.

George will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Online condolences and memories can be shared with his family at www.wheelanpressly.com.