Obituary for Malcolm W. Diggs
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Meeting ID: 857 2240 7056
Passcode: Diggs
In Loving Memory of Malcolm Wadsworth Diggs
Sunrise: March 26, 1936
Sunset: November 6, 2023
Malcolm Wadsworth Diggs, affectionately known by many as "Mal" or “Mac,” peacefully transitioned to his heavenly abode on November 6, 2023. Born in the vibrant city of Washington, DC, Malcolm's rich heritage was a blend of Native American roots from the Seminole and Creek tribes, as well as German and African American ancestry.
Malcolm spent his formative years in the heart of the nation's capital, at 11th & Girard Streets, NW. His parents, Catherine Whitecloud and Charles Diggs, instilled in him a deep sense of identity, reflecting the cultural mosaic of his diverse lineage.
Malcolm was a devoted sibling to Jean (deceased), Kenneth (deceased), Jimmy (deceased), and Chuck. Thus, his connections with his family were everlasting, and he cherished the bonds he shared with them throughout his life.
In his two marriages, Malcolm embraced the roles of fatherhood with Jean Cooper, lovingly raising Greg (Susan), Mike (Margaret), Monica (Joe), and Michelle. Later, with Jan Broady, he welcomed Brandon, and left a legacy of warmth and enduring connections that will be cherished by those he held dear.
Malcolm’s legacy is expansive, as he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as a beloved brother-in-law, James Broady. His embracing heart also welcomed dozens of “adopted” kids over the years, and has left an indelible mark on their lives.
Malcolm graduated from Armstrong High School, in Washington, DC, where he excelled in sports as a “leather head” football player. He later attended George Washington University and Federal City College, the predecessor to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), where he studied Accounting and Business Administration. Malcolm's intellectual journey also included graduate coursework in Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, which further enhanced his knowledge, and demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning.
Malcolm's military service was also a testament to his commitment to duty. As a Class A Naval Dental Technician and shellback, he served with honor, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered.
Throughout his dynamic career, Malcolm wore many hats. For example, he served as the DNC Housing Coordinator, and as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas. Malcolm later established the Metropolitan Retail Liquor Dealers Association (MRLDA), which provided a variety of services, including legal and accounting, to minority liquor store vendors in DC. He also owned a sign shop, was a top car salesman for a Ford automobile dealership in Washington, DC, ran for a seat on the DC City Council in Ward 4, operated a taxi cab and limousine business for many years (with vehicles designated by the numbers “104” or “108”), and served as an adjunct professor at UDC where he taught business.
Malcolm also had stints as a bail bondsman, calligrapher, tour guide, and Uber driver, among others. Accordingly, his contributions were not confined to traditional spaces, as he played a pivotal role in HBO's "Taxicab Confessions," where he served as a lead certifier and driver.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Malcolm engaged in various activities. He was an active member of the PTA, a high school football referee, and a supporter of local sports. His hobbies were diverse, in that they included collecting and repairing vintage cars, drawing caricatures, being an avid golf and boxing enthusiast, and viewing old-school, Western movies.
Finally, having “the gift of gab” is an understatement because Malcolm was a conversationalist extraordinaire, a generous giver of unsolicited advice, and an aficionado on all things to which he proclaimed he was the aficionado. Although his jokes and humor could often be wildly inappropriate, he was truly engaging and loved to make people laugh.
As we celebrate the life of Malcolm Wadsworth Diggs, we remember a man whose legacy is etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, wisdom, mirth, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace, dear Malcolm. Your journey may have reached its earthly destination, but your memory will forever illuminate our lives.
“You sho did treat yoself good!”
OR
enter this ID and passcode into your zoom application:
Meeting ID: 857 2240 7056
Passcode: Diggs
In Loving Memory of Malcolm Wadsworth Diggs
Sunrise: March 26, 1936
Sunset: November 6, 2023
Malcolm Wadsworth Diggs, affectionately known by many as "Mal" or “Mac,” peacefully transitioned to his heavenly abode on November 6, 2023. Born in the vibrant city of Washington, DC, Malcolm's rich heritage was a blend of Native American roots from the Seminole and Creek tribes, as well as German and African American ancestry.
Malcolm spent his formative years in the heart of the nation's capital, at 11th & Girard Streets, NW. His parents, Catherine Whitecloud and Charles Diggs, instilled in him a deep sense of identity, reflecting the cultural mosaic of his diverse lineage.
Malcolm was a devoted sibling to Jean (deceased), Kenneth (deceased), Jimmy (deceased), and Chuck. Thus, his connections with his family were everlasting, and he cherished the bonds he shared with them throughout his life.
In his two marriages, Malcolm embraced the roles of fatherhood with Jean Cooper, lovingly raising Greg (Susan), Mike (Margaret), Monica (Joe), and Michelle. Later, with Jan Broady, he welcomed Brandon, and left a legacy of warmth and enduring connections that will be cherished by those he held dear.
Malcolm’s legacy is expansive, as he is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as a beloved brother-in-law, James Broady. His embracing heart also welcomed dozens of “adopted” kids over the years, and has left an indelible mark on their lives.
Malcolm graduated from Armstrong High School, in Washington, DC, where he excelled in sports as a “leather head” football player. He later attended George Washington University and Federal City College, the predecessor to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), where he studied Accounting and Business Administration. Malcolm's intellectual journey also included graduate coursework in Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, which further enhanced his knowledge, and demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning.
Malcolm's military service was also a testament to his commitment to duty. As a Class A Naval Dental Technician and shellback, he served with honor, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered.
Throughout his dynamic career, Malcolm wore many hats. For example, he served as the DNC Housing Coordinator, and as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas. Malcolm later established the Metropolitan Retail Liquor Dealers Association (MRLDA), which provided a variety of services, including legal and accounting, to minority liquor store vendors in DC. He also owned a sign shop, was a top car salesman for a Ford automobile dealership in Washington, DC, ran for a seat on the DC City Council in Ward 4, operated a taxi cab and limousine business for many years (with vehicles designated by the numbers “104” or “108”), and served as an adjunct professor at UDC where he taught business.
Malcolm also had stints as a bail bondsman, calligrapher, tour guide, and Uber driver, among others. Accordingly, his contributions were not confined to traditional spaces, as he played a pivotal role in HBO's "Taxicab Confessions," where he served as a lead certifier and driver.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Malcolm engaged in various activities. He was an active member of the PTA, a high school football referee, and a supporter of local sports. His hobbies were diverse, in that they included collecting and repairing vintage cars, drawing caricatures, being an avid golf and boxing enthusiast, and viewing old-school, Western movies.
Finally, having “the gift of gab” is an understatement because Malcolm was a conversationalist extraordinaire, a generous giver of unsolicited advice, and an aficionado on all things to which he proclaimed he was the aficionado. Although his jokes and humor could often be wildly inappropriate, he was truly engaging and loved to make people laugh.
As we celebrate the life of Malcolm Wadsworth Diggs, we remember a man whose legacy is etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, wisdom, mirth, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace, dear Malcolm. Your journey may have reached its earthly destination, but your memory will forever illuminate our lives.
“You sho did treat yoself good!”