David “Jeff” Huggins, a 61-year-old devoted husband, father, and community leader from Dawsonville, Georgia, tragically lost his life in a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 in Tennessee on May 11, 2025.
The sudden Jeff Huggins’ death has left his family, friends, and colleagues suffering from a huge loss, but his legacy of kindness, hard work, and faith will live on.
UPDATE JUST IN: Tennessee Highway Patrol confirms the multi-vehicle crash on I-75 northbound Sunday was deadly.
— WTVC NewsChannel 9 (@newschannelnine) May 12, 2025
READ MORE: https://t.co/vqXaIIVxv7 pic.twitter.com/Uhh7J3srNI
The fatal crash occurred when a semi-truck driven by 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier failed to slow down, colliding with six other vehicles.
Alongside Jeff, 23-year-old Lane Smith from Fayetteville, Tennessee, lost his life.
The accident left three adults in intensive care and two children critically injured.
Two brave individuals sustained minor burns while heroically attempting to free victims from burning vehicles.
Antoinier now faces charges of irresponsible homicide, felony reckless endangerment, and reckless aggravated assault.
Jeff’s passing shocked his community and many others.
Team Synergy, the company Jeff started, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook.
Jeffy Huggins Lived A Truly Well-Lived Life
Born on January 31, 1964, in Wichita, Kansas, David Jeffery Huggins grew up on a farm alongside his siblings, Sam Huggins and Suzanne Aydlette.
His parents, David Michael and Martha Iris Ballard Huggins, planted in him a love for the outdoors and a strong work ethic.
As a boy, Jeff spent his days hunting, fishing, and playing sports, activities that shaped his enthusiastic personality.
Jeff’s passion for athletics followed him to Austin Peay State University, where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science.
A talented football player, he later directed his energy into competitive powerlifting and bodybuilding, competing at regional and national levels.
His dedication advanced to his service in the Tennessee Air National Guard, where he served honorably.
After college, Jeff built a career in the health and fitness industry, working as a national recruiter for a global sales and marketing company before partnering in a chain of Gold’s Gyms and women’s fitness centers.
In 1996, he moved to financial services, where his leadership and vision shone.
He spent 11 years as a Field Marketing Director at Hartford Life and Annuity before founding Synergy Financial Partners in 2011.
As CEO, Jeff built a company rooted in protecting families and empowering others—a mission he lived every day.
Jeff’s greatest joy was his family.
He was married to Heather Marie Huggins for 17 years, and their love story began 29 years ago at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Lilburn, Georgia, where they exchanged vows.
Together, they raised four incredible children: Hannah Palmore, Eli Huggins, Jacob Huggins, and Abby Huggins.
Jeff’s devotion to his family was constant, and his humor and warmth made everyone feel special.
A proud University of Tennessee fan, Jeff never missed a chance to cheer for his Vols and Wildcats.
His faith in God guided his life, and he shared his love for fitness, family, and community with everyone he met.
People Who Knew Jeff Huggins Paid Tribute To Him After His Death
Donna Whitt recalled a joyful lunch with Jeff and Heather in St. Kitts, cherishing their time together.
“Jerry stratton n myself, his sister Donna had a lovely lunch with jeff n Heather in St Kitts…”
Via Tribute Archive
Amanda Marie Williams, a neighbor in Dawsonville, expressed the community’s willingness to support the Huggins family.
“Just devastating 💔 I believe Jeff and his family recently moved into our neighborhood in Dawsonville. Please keep us posted as you know more. The community is ready to help his family anyway we can!”
Via Facebook
Terrie Rethamel remembered Jeff’s energy, kindness, and love for his family from their time together at Alliance Group.
“I’m so very sorry! He was a wonderful man who I met through Alliance group and had many conversations with. He had so much energy, kindness and love for his family!”
Via Facebook
Julie Lund Zimmeth wrote:-
“Hartford Life friends. Our former Field Marketing Director and partner, Jeff Huggins lost his life Sunday in a horrible traffic accident. He was a joy to work with. Always positive, kind and a genuinely good guy. Keep his wife Heather and their children in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Via Facebook
Many people feel a deep sense of loss.
Jeff made others laugh, helped them feel important, and encouraged them to aim high. We will always remember him for these things.
A memorial mass to celebrate Jeff’s life will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Lilburn, Georgia, with Monsignor James Fennessy officiating—the same church and officiant from Jeff and Heather’s wedding.
The family will receive guests 30 minutes before the ceremony, which will be followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, the Huggins family requests donations to “Room in the Inn” in Jeff’s honor, a cause close to his heart.
Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Huggins, and survived by his father, Dave Huggins, his wife, Heather, their four children, and his siblings, Sam and Suzanne.
Rest in peace, Jeff
