Manning Emmett Biggers

On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Manning Emmett Biggers moved to his Father’s house following an admirable fight with Alzheimer’s disease. We praise God that we do not grieve without hope because of the indescribable gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As Manning fought his courageous battle, his strength was renewed daily by the Lord and he is now seeing the face of God. 

On Monday, August 28, 2023, A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church 1320 India Hook Road Rock Hill, South Carolina at 2:00 p.m. A receiving of friends and reception will be held immediately following the service in Westminster Hall.

Manning was born on August 7,1940 to Vess Geion Biggers and Alma Dickson Biggers; the youngest of their four children. A 1958 graduate of York High School, Manning grew up and resided in York, S.C. his entire life in the area that he affectionately referred to as, “Biggersville,” where he and his family farmed and established a love for the land.  Some of Manning’s favorite memories were made on the family farm.  

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Madge S. Biggers, who selflessly cared for him until his death in their home. Manning and Madge were high school sweethearts, affectionately referred to as the “M&M’s.” Their marriage demonstrated a legacy of faithfulness, honor, and immense love. They built their life on the foundation of Jesus Christ and much fruit came forth through their obedience to Him. The Biggers family was rooted and established in God’s love and that love was evident in the way Manning parented his four children, Chris Biggers, Kimber Allen, Sandra Hall, and Amie Cowart. Their spouses were also deeply loved by him, Paige Biggers, John Allen, Jasper Hall, and Matt Cowart. Proverbs 17:6 reads, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged…” Manning’s grandchildren and spouses were also a blessed crown; Dr. Sarah B McKee (Dr. Christopher McKee), Austin Allen, Luke Manning Allen, Mark Allen, Joshua Hall (Kacie), Joseph Hall (Hunter), Abigail Hall Oliver (Trenton), Lauren Elizabeth Cowart, Anna Catherine Cowart, and Clara Elise Cowart. Manning especially loved gathering together with his family for celebrations, holidays, soccer games, and many other family events. The greatest gift that he gave to his family was a life surrendered to Jesus. His family will always remember him for his infectious smile, abundant joy, and laugh. 

In addition, he is survived by his brother, Allen Biggers, his sister-in-law, Ann Biggers, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, brother, Charles Geion Biggers; sister, Gayle Biggers Moore (Larry); and sister-in-law, Sybil Biggers.  

Manning was known to be consistently hard working, honest, and committed in his home, workplace and community. He was a pillar of authentic devotion, a man full of compassion and lived with a genuine desire to love God and his neighbor. He truly blessed many through his kindhearted actions and service. He was a doer of God’s Word and not just a hearer, loving not just in word, but in deed and in truth (James 1:22, 1 John 3:18).  

Following graduation, his work included: Highway Department of Engineering, he assisted in building many of the roads throughout South Carolina; A.G. Odell Architectural Firm, which inspired him to begin a real estate career. As a realtor for Flint Realty, a mentor inspired him to open his own office, hence the birth of Faith Realty. The business name was a reflection of his faith and dedication to the Lord. 

In service to his community, Manning served on the boards of the York Chamber of Commerce, First Citizens Bank, York County Board of Realtors, York Jaycees and was the President of the Home Builders Association of York County. During his tenure with the Jaycees, he served locally as President and Chaplain, at the state level he served as Chaplain and was chosen as one of the three Outstanding Men for SC Jaycees. During his service to the York County Board of Realtors, he served as President and was recognized as Realtor of the Year.

He faithfully served the South Carolina 5th District Real Estate Commission for 32 years and was appointed to various positions on the Commission to include Chairman and Co-Chairman. The highlight of his career was an award he earned through the nomination of his peers to serve within the National Association of Real License Law Officials (NARELLO) organization. While part of NARELLO, he held many positions such as President, Vice President, and many other capacities. In all of these opportunities, he served as unto the Lord and not to man.

Furthermore, Manning served as Chairman of the Westminster-Catawba Christian School Board and was a founding member and Treasurer of Westminster Towers Retirement Community. He faithfully served for 37 years on the Board of Directors and was the last surviving founding board member.  

Manning and his family were members and joyfully served at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina for 46 years. He was an elder and deacon within the church. He was instrumental in forming the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Manning enjoyed teaching Sunday School for 25-plus years and was honored when the class was named the “Manning Biggers Sunday School Class.” He loved the members of the class and considered them his family. The special times they spent studying God’s Word together, as well as the fellowship they shared as a community, was deeply cherished by Manning.  

Manning was an incredibly gifted man, who sought to use His gifts from the Lord for His glory alone. Jeremiah 9:23 reads, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love…” He was a devoted servant of the gifts God had entrusted to him and made his boast in Christ alone.  Manning will be deeply missed. The gift of his life will be forever treasured by his family, church family, friends, and community.

Memorials may be made to: 

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1320 India Hook Road Rock Hill, SC 29732

Westminster Towers Endowment Fund 1330 India Hook Road Rock Hill, SC 29732

The Mercy House (Hospice) 1224 Curtis Street Rock Hill, 29730

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.

Bratton Funeral Home of York, SC is serving the Biggers family.