Robert D. Higgins

The Rev. Robert Drew "Bob," Higgins died at home on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, after 77 full years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Una Higgins. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda; two daughters, Beverly Wells and Sandra Kienast (Ted); brother Frederick Higgins (Winnie Lee); grandson Drew Wells; and his cat, Twitter.

He graduated from Orange County High School in 1955, Virginia Tech class of 1959 and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary class of 1963. Bob served God as a pastor at six churches including, Downtown Baptist in Alexandria, Gunston Baptist in Lorton, Hillcrest Baptist in Suffolk, Colonial Beach Baptist, Carlisle Avenue Baptist in Richmond and was a minister of pastoral care at First Baptist Church of Richmond. He was a sports fan of the Virginia Tech Hokies, Washington Nationals Baseball, Washington Redskins Football and his grandson's baseball teams. He enjoyed chocolate in every form, the friendship and love of his church families and sharing his sense of humor. He always held a place in his heart for the rolling pastures and Blue Ridge Mountains of his family farm in Orange.

His generous spirit and loving compassion for others will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., Richmond. The funeral and reception will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at First Baptist Church of Richmond, followed by a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the S.M.I.L.E. (Single Moms in the Lord's Embrace) program at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23220.