Billy Joe Higgins

In Loving Memory of Billy Joe Higgins
July 6th, 1932 – July 18th, 2024
Billy Joe Higgins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, on July 18th, 2024. Known affectionately as "Sonny" to his Texas family, he was born on July 6th, 1932, in Admiral, TX, the cherished son of Ernest Melvin Higgins and Lucille (Maltby) Higgins. Billy had one sibling, his sister and best friend, Ernestine (Higgins) Gracy, lovingly known as "Tincey". Billy's entire life was marked by a foundation of hard work, nurtured on the family farm in Baird, TX, where he learned the values of dedication, perseverance, and family.
Billy excelled in academics and sports during his school years in Baird, lettering in football, basketball, and tennis - the latter becoming his favorite sport. He graduated in 1949 and began his journey of service and skill-building with Campbell Construction in Fort Worth, TX, before joining the United States Air Force on August 9th, 1951. Following basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, he further honed his skills as an automotive mechanic at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; and served with distinction at Kimpo Air Force Base in Korea. After his honorable discharge on August 9th, 1955, Billy pursued his passion for flying through the GI Bill, earning his wings in 1957.
On February 9th, 1957, Billy married the absolute love of his life, Rita Grace (Quinlan) Higgins. Their union was blessed with five sons: Billy Joe, Robert Ray, Donald Allen, James Arthur, and Gerald Lee. Though Billy and Rita have joined three of their sons in Heavenly peace, their enduring love for each other and their boys remains a testament to their unwavering faith and hope.
Beginning in 1957, Billy dedicated 25 years of service to the Topeka Police Department. He patrolled the streets on his Harley motorcycle and later served as a traffic engineer, leaving a lasting mark of service and commitment to the TPD. It was during these years, formed by the work ethic on the family farm in the heart of Texas, that Billy's desire to provide a strong foundation for his growing family was witnessed in the home he built for them in Cain's Canyon. Working with his own two hands, his craftsmanship and dedication shone through in every detail of their beautiful stone-based, two-story, earth-berm home, a testament to his ingenuity and hard work. This home not only served to raise a strong group of young men, it also became a place for family and friends to gather in laughter and competition over all manner of sports and card games, with Billy and Rita's ever-welcoming presence.
After retiring from the police force on July 9th, 1982, Billy embarked on another chapter of his career with Hamm's Construction in Perry, KS, where he worked as a truck mechanic for 15 years before retiring on July 6th, 1997. In retirement, he found joy in fishing trips to Perry Lake and spending time with his family.
Billy leaves behind his beloved sons, Jim and Jerry; cherished daughters-in-law, Angi, Annie, and Yvonne; adored grandsons, B.J. and Chance; and his Texas family, Glen and Glenda Nix, along with a large extended family who admired his strong character and loved him deeply.
In honor of Billy's love for gardening and nurturing, donations in his memory can be made to Bullington Gardens at 828-698-6104 or BullingtonGardens.org.
A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Billy's life and the cherished memories he leaves behind. May he rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him. barnettfamilyfh.com