Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:21 pm

William Higgins, age 71 of Rutherfordton, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

William was born on November 5, 1948 in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Herman and Ethel H. Higgins. William honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Forrest Higgins, and Harlan Higgins, and sister, Gayle Bailey.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Shelia Woody Higgins, his son, Brandon Higgins and wife Lisa of Rutherfordton, his daughter, Brooke McCraw and husband Thomas of Ellenboro, brothers, Francis Higgins of Indiana, and Clint Higgins of Forest City, sisters, Rose Jackson of Mills River, NC and Lillian Womack of Burnsville, NC. There are also three grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

The family request memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, 890 Withrow Road, Spindale, NC 28160.