John “Doug” Figgs passed away on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. The family would like to sincerely thank the Veterans’ Association for all the medical help and care Doug received over these last several years, as well as TidalHealth Nanticoke Hospital’s nursing staff for their compassion and support during his final days.
Born June 1, 1945 to the late Wilson and Dorothy (Gordy) Figgs, Doug never knew that wasn’t his first name until going to school and not answering to the name John in ‘rollcall.’ With the exception of his military time, Doug always called Seaford his home. Surrounded by a large family, his mom had six siblings and his dad had five, Doug always claimed that if he had a job to do, his dad or an uncle would know how to do it.
Graduating from Seaford High in the class of ’63, he cherished the lifelong close friendships of his classmates. While working for DuPont after graduation, Doug attended classes for Drafting/Design at Vo-Tech in Georgetown. In 1965, he joined the Air Force, and after Basic he was stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York, as a draftsman in the World Headquarters of GEEIA (Ground Electronics Engineering Installation Agency). From Griffiss, he was sent on extended TDY’s to GEEIA’s Regional Headquarters, twice to Hawaii for a total of 10 months, then to Germany for four months, and Oklahoma for six. During his time back at Griffiss, he met his best friend, soulmate, and love of his life, Cyndie. She was from the village of New Hartford, NY; they married a few months before his discharge and then moved to Seaford.
For 10 years Doug worked in design for ILC, NCR, Westinghouse, and Planning/Zoning of Wicomico County, but then he and Cyndie had to decide to either relocate or stay in Seaford, resulting in rejoining employment at DuPont. He retired from DuPont in 2001. But, he always claimed he enjoyed his part-time jobs a lot more than working for a living, i.e. Usher for the State Fair, Manager for the old Layton Theater, Runner for a car dealership, designing billboards and Yellow Page ads, and making and repairing fishing poles. Doug was always active in community clubs: the Odd Fellows, Kiwanis, and Community Concerts, serving in offices and on many committees.
Traveling, cruises especially, were very special to him and Cyndie. Not just the adventure itself, Doug took pleasure planning beforehand and serving as “group coordinator” and the after-glow of creating memorable photobooks. Doug also treasured family camping, playing cards almost every single night with Cyndie, and spending time with friends in Fenwick on the beach.
Doug is survived by his wife Cyndie, of almost 54 years, and their children, Lisa Chandler and husband Chad of Glen Allen, VA, Greg Figgs and wife Stephanie of Lewes and two special grandchildren, Braxton Wilson Figgs and Delaney Jackson Chandler. Additionally, Doug is survived by his sister Pat and husband Bill Caldwell of Seaford, brother-in-law Ronnie Munzert and wife Susan of Kent, New York, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Dorothy Figgs, Cyndie’s parents, Charles and Anne Munzert, and his brothers, Robert Howard and James (Jimmy), who died in infancy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to two local organizations Doug held great passion for: Seaford Kiwanis Club (P.O. Box 1017, Seaford, DE 19973) or Seaford Community Concert Association (P.O. Box 337, Seaford, DE 19973).
Family and friends are invited to join us at Cranston’s Funeral Home (300 N. Shipley St., Seaford, DE 19973) at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 for a final farewell followed by a graveside service at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.