William Frederick “Fred” Higgins, 92, of Hendersonville, NC, went to be with his Heavenly Father Saturday, September 2, 2023.
Fred was born in Burnsville, NC in 1931 to Hiram Edgar Higgins and Ophelia English Higgins and grew up in Hendersonville. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Edgar Higgins and his sister, Phyllis Higgins Banta as well as his loving wife of 65 years, Suzanne Stiffler Higgins.
Fred is survived by his daughter, Leigh Ann Higgins; his son, Robby Higgins (Gina); his granddaughter, Lily Marie Higgins of Hendersonville, NC; a special niece, Ann Banta Collins (Rick) of Barrington, Illinois.
Fred attended all 12 grades at Hendersonville High School and graduated in 1952. He was the Drum Major in the Marching Band and played the trumpet. He sang in the Glee Club and the Boys Quartet.
Fred loved playing golf, swimming, singing, going on family picnics and annual family vacations to the beach. He loved the mountains and would take Sunday afternoon drives to see scenic mountain views. He loved spending time with his friends and family as well as his pet dogs and cats.
Fred worked in the newspaper and printing business all of his life. He worked for the Hendersonville Times News for 18 years. He and his wife Suzanne owned and operated Higgins’ Quality Press for 43 years, where their son Robby worked for over 20 years.
Fred was a devout Christian and grew up in the First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Naples Baptist Church and the Open Door Christian Fellowship. Fred participated and enjoyed going to Mission trips to Honduras.
Fred will be remembered as someone who was loving, caring and enjoyed helping people. Fred was a lifetime member of the Hendersonville Elks Club and the Hendersonville Lions Club.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church, 312 5th Avenue West, on Sunday September 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christian Community in Honduras, P.O. Box Box 606, Fletcher NC 28732. Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or at 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.
