The loving and generous life we celebrate today, OD Diggins Sr., was born to the union of Bennie and Dempsey (Johnson) Diggins on May 25, 1935, in Forrest City, Arkansas. From the time of his early childhood, he was raised to appreciate and practice the great virtue of kindness, integrity, generosity, humility, and diligence.
In his development as a child and young man he was educated in the Forrest City School System. OD moved to South Bend, Indiana in 1951. OD was one of the original leads for the Sunset Travelers Quartet singing group. He modeled for a little while. Then he went to Sollitt Construction Company for over twenty-five years. OD also, loved to selfishly help others. His passion was speaking wisdom into young people. We shall always respect him for handling complications and difficulties with humor, humility, and charity. Being the well-respected gentleman in the entire community he was a Mentor to many young and old.
OD was always a God-Fearing man who had the ability to foresee things in advance. He was a faithful member of Pentecostal COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr. until God called him to assist his son O.D. Diggins Jr. with his then ministry in 2019. According to his brother Supt. S.L. Diggins Sr. he was a life member at Believers C.O.G.I.C. His heart opened to receive the love of Jesus Christ as a child. He was preceded in death by his first loving wife Willa Mae, his father and mother, favorite Auntie Roberta Day, his brothers Monroe, Truman Sr. and Samuel L. Sr., along with sisters Ludie May, Shirley (Carnes), Mildred Vee (Bradford), grandson Joseph and bonus Deondra. He is survived by and leaves to cherish his loving wife Cheri whom he was united with in 1999, daughter Daisy, sons OD Jr. and Donnell of South Bend, In. and bonus son Justin S. (Josie) Redmon of South Bend, In. Along with grand-children OD III and Justin Redmon Jr. of South Bend, In., Sarah Diggins of Georgia, Duchess & Laiayana Redmon of Lafayette, In. Kamaury, Kamijah, Saniyah and Savionn all of Minnesota. OD & Cheri share three God Daughters Gwendolyn, Maria, and Kelli of South Bend, In. OD has three sisters Girtha Terry of Phoenix, Az., Ella Parker of Los Angeles, Ca., Norma McLeod of Florida, and brother Elder Bennie C. (Pauline) Diggins of Florida. There are a host of Aunts, Uncles, and numerous wonderful and beautiful nieces and nephews that are far too many to mention.
To GOD be ALL the Glory for such a strong determined, distinct and distinguished Man of God.
Homegoing will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Wednesday February 19, 2025 at 11am. Burial will take place immediately following the service. To leave a message for the family, please go to chapelhillmemorial.com