MSgt David "Dave" Duggins

MSgt Dwight David Duggins, USAF, Ret, age 79, of Gulfport, passed away on November 19, 2022.

David was born in Ajo, AZ to the late Chief Master Sergeant Amos D. Duggins and Florence Senf Duggins.  He was one of 7 children and his moved with his family to assignments all over the United States  including Arizona, Ohio, Newfoundland, and Washington, D.C.

David graduated from Ballou High School in Washington, D.C.  He attended the University of Maryland and received a B.S. degree in TV and Film.  David joined the Navy and was a medical operating room tech.  He saw service as a field medic with the Marines at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  During an operation there he ran toward danger to save one of his Marines injured by a mine.

After his service with the Navy, he enlisted in the Air Force.  A Vietnam Veteran, he also served assignments in Shreveport, LA, Idaho, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, and Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon.  After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the NRA.  In 1989, he began his career with the Department of Defense at Keesler Air Force Base first at Wall Studio and later at the 333rd Training Squadron 81st Training Wing.

David was an avid gardener, cook, canner, and reader.  He also did needlepoint.

A trained Grief Recovery Counselor, David worked with the Memorial Hospital Hospice program and later led groups on grief recovery at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Amos D. and Florence S. Duggins; 2 brothers, Bruce and Michael, and a sister, Mary.  He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary L. Duggins; his daughter, Rachel Duggins; a step-daughter, Jennifer Lynn Hinsdale; his sister, Kathy Duggins Nilges; and his brothers, Timothy and Patrick.

Visitation will be on December 1, 2022, from 10 - 11 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS 39560.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in the church.  Interment will be in Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi, MS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, 4321 Espy Ave, Long Beach, MS 39560.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com