David Earl Liggins, 57, of Orrville, OH passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at University Hospitals of Cleveland. He was born on April 9, 1958 in Fremont, OH the son of Tommie Lee and Clover (Lee) Liggins, Sr. He was a 1976 graduate of Fremont Ross High School and attended University of Arizona.
David married Debi Skaggs on May 28, 1998 and she preceded him in death on May 23, 2013. David had previously worked for an Airport in Tucson, AZ, the Juvenile Detention Center in Smithville, OH and Tampa, FL and the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Dept. He also coached football at various Universities.
David played football at the University of Arizona where he was an All American and MVP of the 1979 Fiesta Bowl and team MVP in 1980. He was also inducted into the Fremont Ross Hall of Fame, 1st Team All Ohio, and ran track and pole vaulted. David enjoyed singing and loved everybody. He also owned David Liggins Racing LLC.
David is survived by his daughter, Tia Alleman, Wooster, OH; step children, Steve Siedel of Ohio and Trina Galbreath-Collins, Mansfield, OH; mother, Clover Liggins, Fremont, OH; siblings, Tommie L. (Brenda) Liggins, Jr, Carbondale, IL, Beverly Liggins, Mary “Lulu” Liggins, Larry Liggins, Harry (Terri) Liggins, Christopher Liggins, all of Fremont, OH, Barbara Peoples of Arizona; grandchildren, Sophia, Nick, Alyssa, Adrian, Nolan, Josiah, Issiah, Michael and Autumn; best friend, Candice King, Tucson, AZ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tommie Lee Liggins, Sr.; wife, Debi Liggins; cousin, Nettie Lee; grandparents.
Memorial Service: Saturday, January 16, 2016; Noon at Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church, 1441 Fangboner Rd, Fremont, OH with an hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Bishop Mark Conley will officiate.
Memorials: To the family
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RICK KUSMER
David, was a great teammate and a better person. I will never forgot his smile and laugh. RIP till
I see you again Dave . Rick Kusmer
Biz Paeth
So sorry to hear about the loss of “Davie”–he was one of my special “kids” when I worked for the Rec. Dept during my college years.
Biz Paeth
Cedar Key, Florida
Megen Sanders
I worked with David at The Village Network many years ago, he was an exceptionally wonderful man, he always had a smile on his face and kind words for everyone who crossed his path. Everyone who knew David loved him for the person he was. He will be sadly missed but know he will never experience any more pain and he is looking down on us all smiling.
Lori Misner
Beverly,
I am so very sorry about the loss of your brother.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Misner
Rex Radeloff
David and a few other players help me move into Fremont the summer of 1974. I had the opportunity to coach David in the defense secondary for the next two years. David was a special player and more importinaly a special person. He will be missed.
Coach Rex Radeloff
Debby (Stuckey) Coughlan
So sorry to hear this news. Dave and I were classmates at Fremont Ross. He was a great athlete — and a friend to everyone. He will be missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.
Tony Paradiso
David and I were roommates at UC our freshman year. He was a great guy and everyone loved him. He was always singing and often had his “finger” in “my” peanut butter :). Million dollar smile. I remember watching the Fiesta Bowl on Christmas Day in 1979 from the Fremont Hospital when David was MVP. My wife was in labor with our first child. I think he had 12 tackles. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family.
Gods peace brother,
Tony Paradiso
Derek Isaman
David Liggins was my hero! We moved to Fremont Ohio when I was 7 years old lived down the street from the Liggins family. I loved being neighbor of the Liggins family. First was Tommy Liggins a all star running back, then Harry and Larry superstar twins that dominated for Fremont Ross Little Giants! Then came my big brother David Liggins we showed me everything that I needed to do to be a good football player. David always had a huge smile and was happy to see you!! I love you David and miss you very much!
Derek Isaman
Catherine Liggins
Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing a bit of his well lived life. (from Cleveland,Ohio)