David Arthur Higgs

1947 - 2025

David Higgs 77, a man of steadfast love and quiet strength, passed away peacefully at home April 7, 2025, with family by his side. He left behind a legacy of wisdom, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in a close-knit family, David grew up with an innate curiosity about the world around him and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. He was the son of Arthur Higgs and Martha Russell Higgs. David is survived by his cherished wife, Wanda, with whom together they shared the golden years of marriage. They built a home filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect. David's greatest joy was his two daughters, Donna Higgs of Delray Beach, FL, and Laura (Jason) Jones of Jackson, TN, whom he adored beyond measure. He provided them with guidance, encouragement, and unconditional support. To Donna and Laura, he was not only a father but also a reliable source of comfort and wisdom. He is survived by brothers Stephen (Connie), Tim (Jennifer), Jack (Rebekka) and sister Kathleen (Ted) Hillebrand. Grandchildren include Hannah (Tyler) Diamond of Jackson, TN, Meghan Jones (fiancé Michael Shutt) of Nashville, TN, Elizabeth (Anthony) Leduc of Lake Worth, FL, Emily Jones of Brooklyn, NY and Zoe Robins of Tallahassee, FL, and one great-grandson Emmett Diamond. He was a loving uncle to 22 Nephews/Nieces, 26 Great-Nephews/Nieces and two Great-Great Nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Wayne and Sister-in-Law Ann of Hughesville, MD, brother Michael (Dannye) of Davidson, NC, and sister Janet (Jack) Aldrich of Cookeville, TN. In addition to his role as a loving husband and father, David was a man of faith and seen as a pillar within the church. Whether working diligently in his career, involved with the church, or volunteering in the community, he loved helping people. As a young boy he explored the D.C. area with his older siblings, Wayne and Janet. In 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy deploying to Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand among other places. He would spend ten years in the service. After returning home he used the GI Bill and enrolled in college at the Tennessee Technological University earning a degree in Geology. For the next four decades he would work in the petroleum industry operating at sites in the southwest, southeast, and in the middle east. After decades of bouncing around, he and Wanda would settle in the Savannah area, where they have been for the last 30 years. He worked at Colonial Oil Industries in Savannah until his retirement. Always one to believe that life is worth living, he continued to be active in the community by volunteering as a firefighter, working as an EMT, and lending a hand at a local hospice. David had a profound love for nature and spent countless hours outdoors, not only finding peace and inspiration in the beauty of the natural world but sharing that love with those around him. He enjoyed sharing his love of skydiving, scuba diving, sail boating, driving race cars, art, music, home improvement, landscape design, archeology, militaria and gunsmithing. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, David's spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew him.
A service to honor and celebrate David's life will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church. All friends and family are invited to share memories of David. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church, Tybee Island, GA, or Hospice of Savannah, as a testament to David's generous spirit and commitment to serving others. Rest in peace, David. You were deeply loved, and you will be remembered.