Stanley Edward Higginbotham, 85, passed away November 12, 2009, and was reunited with his beloved wife Alice, who passed away in 1990. Stanley was born September 27th, 1924 in Highland Falls, New York to Edward and Florence (Smith) Higinbotham. Stanley retired from Central Hudson Gas and Electric Company in 1984 after 30 years of service, and then moved to Apollo Beach, Florida with his wife Alice.
Stanley was a World War II veteran serving in the United States Navy stationed on many ships, most notably the U.S.S. Wichita (CA-45). After being discharged in 1945, he returned to Naval service for the Korean conflict. After the war, he went into the Naval Reserve and transferred into the United States Navy Seabees as a construction electrician. Stanley then moved to Greenville, New York and switched his military service to the Army National Guard and rising to the rank of First Sergeant. In 1995, he received the “Victory over Germany” medal presented by the Russian government. Stanley’s military service to the United States lasted for 43 years.
Stanley joined the Freemasons at the James M. Austin Lodge #557 in Greenville, New York and eventually became a Worshipful Master Mason. After relocating to Florida, he joined the Tampa Lodge #240. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Riverview, FL chapter, and served as Commander of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-16 in Sun City Center, FL.
He married Alice in 1946, and had four children; Linda residing in Florida, Susan (Richard) residing in Virginia, Nancy (Bill) residing in New York, and Charles (Jennifer) residing in Texas, 11 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Granddaughter to be born in March, 2010, numerous Nieces and Nephews.
Stanley is also survived by his devoted companion of 20 years, Shirley, and brother-in-law John Hollmen. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Ruby, and brother Ralph, 3 sisters-in-law, and 3 brothers-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, please make a tax deductable contribution to the United Service Organizations (USO) in memory of Stanley Higginbotham. Throughout history, as men and women of the United States Armed Forces have been sent to war, the USO has been there to provide them with a cup of coffee, a smile, a kind word, entertainment, an occasional dance or two and most of all a "touch of home" in a far-off place. The USO began providing service to military members during World War II and continues today for service members supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and at other duty stations worldwide.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Novenber 18, at the Southern Funeral Care Chapel, 10510 Riverview Drive, Riverview, FL. A visitation will begin at 10:00AM, followed by a funeral service with Masonic Rites at 11:00AM. Interment will take place following the funeral service at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL.
“Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.”
To make a short story, long…. we loved you!!
Can’t begin to say how much we will miss you. You have been a part of our lives 24 years..I will miss all the story telling (1G vs 2G)and yelling hello across the street (where are your shoes??)Love you always.
It was & will always be a priviledge to call you uncle.
Your voice and your reply of “yes , yes.” will be with me always. Thanks for your support through the years. It was great always kidding each other when Army played Navy in football. Most of all it was MY honor to know you. Uncle Stan thanks for serving this country in the way you did. I love you.I will truly miss you.
Stan, we love you and miss you. You always said that there was special Fairy Dust in our neighborhood, but there is a lot less now that you are gone. Rest in eternal peace.
Shelley and Andy Bergholcs
Our family, community and nation has lost one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation. His passion for his country, strong sense of duty and service and love for his family and friends will continue to inspire all of us. We will miss him.
Stan, what a great honor & priviledge to have known you. I will miss you my friend.
Stan, we will surely miss our Mayor waving as we return home each evening. It was always comforting to know that you were there watching our neighborhood.
God’s peace to you and our deepest sympathies to Shirley. Joe & Barb
Stan, we will surely miss our Mayor waving as we return home each evening. It was always comforting to know that you were there watching our neighborhood.
God’s peace to you and our deepest sympathies to Shirley. Joe & Barb
Stan, we will surely miss our Mayor waving as we return home each evening. It was always comforting to know that you were there watching our neighborhood.
God’s peace to you and our deepest sympathies to Shirley. Joe & Barb
Stan, we will surely miss our Mayor waving as we return home each evening. It was always comforting to know that you were there watching our neighborhood.
God’s peace to you and our deepest sympathies to Shirley. Joe & Barb
Deepest sympathies to the entire Higginbotham family Shirley, Linda, Nancy, Susan and Charles and the many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Uncle Stan is person I will remember as a devoted American and a man who was proud of his family.
Susan and Richard, we are so sorry for your loss. I know that losing and an older parent after a full life brings lots of emotions — many good as well as sad. For a week, you’ll cry when you think of him. After a week, you’ll smile whenever he comes to mind. While you spoke of him, Susan, I don’t think I ever heard his “greatest generation” story. Veteran and hero — to you and for all of us.
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. Please find comfort in Gods word by reading 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7 where we find the kind of comfort only God can give. May the love of family and friend ease the grief you are going thru at this time.
All of us who enjoy the freedoms of this great country owe a debt of gratitude to Stanley Higginbotham.
Some people occupy a special place in your memory, others a place in your heart. You will be missed, but we look forward to seeing you again soon in paradise.
Grandpa, you are the man. I am going to miss you and your wonderful stories. The United States lost a great Patriot. I love you.
Dear Dad, I am missing you already. The challenge of finding a piece of history that you don’t know was such fun. I love you and wish you and mom happy days together. Love, Linda
The Lutz Patriots of Lutz, Florida send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Mr. Higginbotham. Every Friday in our hometown, we wave American flags to honor such heroes. His service to our Country will be forever appreciated.
Cousin Stanley: I will miss talking to you about our family’s history especially about our grandparents.
Grandpa- I am happy and sad, happy that Grandma will have you back and sad that we have lost you. I will forever remember strawberry picking and interviewing you on your toy car collection. I am lucky to have had such an amazing grandfather. I love you.
Dad, it’s been a long lonely 7 months. Miss your voice. I hope you, mom and Bud are sharing much laughter and love,at being reunited. We love and miss you. Wish you could see all the wonderful children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandaughter. They are a great legacy to your name!!