Joseph Higgins

April 27, 1943 - January 9, 2018

Joseph Higgins, age 74 of Sparta, NC passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at his residence. He was born April 27, 1943 in Alleghany County to the late William Quincy and Docia Louellen Brown Higgins. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by six brothers, John Q. Higgins, Herbert Higgins, Sam Higgins, James Higgins, Paul Higgins, Tom Higgins, five sisters, Nancy Joines, Ruth Bryant, Mary Holecheck, Elsie Lowe, Ethel Smith. Joseph served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was very active in the local VFW Post #7034 for several years as the honor guard commander. It was his privilege and honor to ensure that every local veteran received exceptional military burial rights. He was so proud to serve in this role with his comrades. Joe had a passionate heart for God, his country, and his family. He is survived by two daughters, Susan H. Owens and husband Todd of York, SC, Amy Lynn Higgins and husband Kent Ruesink of Mooresville, NC, four grandchildren, Shelby Shoffstall and husband Jesse of Fort Mill, SC, Joshua Owens of Charleston, SC, Elijah Owens of York, SC, Levi Owens of York, SC, former spouse, Judith Higgins, three sisters, Lois H. Dixon of Laurel Springs, Evelyn H. King of Mt. Airy, Evon H. Hull of Mt. Airy. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive. The family requests the honor of your presence at the funeral service to honor the life of Joe at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 in the chapel of Grandview Memorial Funeral Home with Brother Ed Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Laurel Glen Baptist Church Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the Bruce Wayne Osborne VFW Post #7034. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bruce Wayne Osborne VFW Post #7034, PO Box 1838, Sparta, NC 28675. The family would like to extend special thanks to all his comrades of the Bruce Wayne Osborne VFW Post #7034. Also to the family’s dear friend, David Busic. Grandview Memorial Funeral Home is proudly serving the Higgins family and if you wish, online condolences may be submitted to the family at www.grandviewfuneralhome.com.