Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Higginbotham Obituary
A native of Malden, MO, he was the only son of the late E. B. and Maude Higginbotham.
A memorial service will be held in his honor on Monday, June 30, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the University Presbyterian Church, 209 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Robert, Larry, and David; stepdaughters, Hilary Philipps and Christina Rich; and eight grandchildren.
Professor Higginbotham was the Dowd Distinguished Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he taught for forty-one years. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Washington University and his Ph. D from Duke University. Before coming to UNC he taught at the College of William and Mary, Longwood College, and Louisiana State University. A dedicated teacher and leading authority on the history of the American Revolution and in particular the life of George Washington, Professor Higginbotham was the author or editor of ten books and dozens of articles and essays, several of which won major prizes. A frequent and poplar lecturer at the military academies, he was honored with the U.S. Army Oustanding Civilian Service Medal. He enjoyed his roles as historical consultant to television and film productions and as advisor to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. In 1998, his book George Washington and the Military Tradition was selected as one of the ten best books ever written about George Washington. In addition to holding a number of important positions at UNC, including serving as chair of the Department of History, he was a former president of the Southern Historical Association and the Society of the Historians for the Early Republic.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Duke Home Care and Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27704.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkersfuneralservice.com Arrangements by Walker's Funeral Home, 120 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Higginbotham
4 Entries
Peter Brooks
July 2, 2008
To Dr. Higginbotham's family-
My dad is Willis Brooks, retired Professor of Russian History at UNC, and a longtime friend of Dr. Higginbotham. I met Dr. Higginbotham only a few times, but I recall both my parents always speaking very highly of him and his teaching. My prayers and thoughts are with your family in your time of loss. Dr. Higginbotham was a great Professor for UNC and good friend to my parents. God Bless,
Peter Brooks
Kim Proctor
June 30, 2008
I had the privledge of being one of Dr. Higginbotham's students. His kindness, knowledge, and guidance impacted me greatly. Going forward, my work will be positively influenced by his own. I am so grateful and have been so enriched by my time with Dr. Higginbotham. Undoubtably, I am among many.
If we are met by loved ones when we pass, I have no doubt that President Washington was head and shoulders above the crowd welcoming our dear friend who did him such an honorable service. And if those who pass watch over and guide us, I hope Dr. H will remember me. I will do my best to make him proud.
Jack P. Greene
June 27, 2008
Don and I have been the closest of friends since the fall of 1954 when we first met in graduate school in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more than fifty years, I was able to observe his progress as a scholar as he turned himself into the leading historian of his generation of the War for American Independence and, in recent decades, into a penetrating and original analyst of George Washington. I account myself extremely fortunate to have had Don for a colleague, and even more, for a friend. I shall miss him enormously.
Jeff Crow
June 27, 2008
Of course, we will miss Don's many scholarly contributions, but more importantly we will miss his warm friendship, delightful storytelling, good conversation, and infectious humor.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Higginbotham's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Higginbotham
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Higginbotham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
