Wednesday, May 20, 2026 9:20 am

Jackie Ray Higgins, 80, of Forest City, went to be with the Lord May 13, 2026.

Born June 10, 1945, he was the son of Arthur and Dovie Higgins. He was a 1963 graduate of RS Central High School. After graduation, Jackie enlisted in the Air Force. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Judy Horner Higgins. This July, they would have been married 60 years. Two weeks after their marriage, Jackie was informed he would be going to Vietnam where he willingly and proudly served his country. He and Judy had three children: Sherry, Buddy, and Jason.

Jackie was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Judy, and his son Buddy, as well as his siblings: Harold "Butch" Mayse (Louise), Betty Pope, Earl Higgins (Grace), Charlie Higgins (Ola), Roy Higgins (Elizabeth), and Nancy Radford (Neil).

He is survived by his daughter Sherry Curtis and husband Gary of Green Creek, and son Jason Higgins, his four grandchildren, Autumn Curtis, CJ Curtis, Isaiah Hunt (Ema), and Bella Bridges, two brothers Bobby Higgins (Gaye) and Wayne Higgins (Pat), and sister-in-law, Frances Walker, all of Rutherfordton, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held May 18 at Second Baptist Church with Rev. Brandon Wood and Rev. Chad Dillard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Second Baptist Church, 191 Green St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.