AC Higginbotham

1927 - 2020

Dr. AC Higginbotham, longtime resident of Springhill, LA, died May 13, 2020 in Houston, TX. He was 92. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 2:00 pm, at the Springhill Cemetery. Social distancing and masks will be required. Dr. Higginbotham's body will lie in repose inside the hearse, which will be parked in front of his church home, Central Baptist Church, between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm on May 22. Everyone is invited to drive by and pay their respects.

He was born on July 27, 1927, near Bienville, LA, son of Alfred Columbus Higginbotham and Tallie Farley Higginbotham. He lived on a farm during the Depression, with his parents working hard to provide for the family. He attended elementary school in Bienville and high school in Jamestown, LA. One of his earliest jobs was assisting M.C. Burnham in his drug store in Cullen, LA. Mr. Burnham later offered him assistance to attend Loyola University New Orleans, which opened the gateway for his further education and advancement.

Dr. Higginbotham married Ruth Maxine Wiggins of Jamestown on June 10, 1944, and the couple soon moved to New Orleans. She worked at a Walgreens to support the family while he attended school. His class set up the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter, and he is still pictured there in a photo with his classmates. He and Maxine experienced many happy times in New Orleans. They read the Bible together at night, as their faith was growing even then. God had more plans for the young couple.

In 1946, during his junior year, Dr. Higginbotham was drafted. He served in World War 2, the army of occupation in Japan but was injured and received a medical discharge. He completed his degree at Loyola in 1949 and went on to pass the state board exam, after which he returned to Cullen to work at Burnham's drug store. Loyola honored him with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1982.

In late 1950, Dr. Higginbotham became a co-owner of H and B Drug in Springhill, LA, a thriving local business with a soda fountain as well as drugs, gifts, and sundries. This business was formed in partnership with Jesse Boucher, who later sold his part to Dr. Higginbotham. He filled prescriptions and ran the store with Maxine's help until his retirement in 1989.

Dr. Higginbotham had a heart for serving the people of Springhill. He was a longtime member, Sunday School teacher and a Deacon at Central Baptist Church, serving on many committees. He was an active member of the Lions Club for more than 50 years. In 1996, he was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his faithful service as a Lion. Dr. Higginbotham was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. He was a charter member of the Springhill Chamber of Commerce, receiving the group's Civic Service Award. He served as an alderman on the Springhill City Council from 1970 to 1974.

Dr. Higginbotham enjoyed people and made many friends over his long life. He is well remembered for his wonderful smile. He loved Springhill, his church, and his family. He also enjoyed traveling, woodworking, reading, photography, and ham radio. Studying history, including learning about America's past presidents and touring their homes and libraries, was a favorite pastime. He also worked tirelessly around his home and gardens with Maxine.

He was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and four brothers and one sister. Survivors include his son, Rodney (Julie) Higginbotham of Chicago; his daughter, Leara Higginbotham of Houston; two grandchildren, Alice and Margaret Higginbotham; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Gifts in his memory can be sent to Central Baptist Church.