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Esley Higginbotham Obituary
HIGGINBOTHAM, III
December 24, 1939 - July 1, 2009
Esley M. "Mike" Higginbotham, III died on July 1, 2009 at the age of 69 after a short battle with brain cancer. Mike was born in Lynchburg, VA on December 24, 1939.
He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1958. He came to Reno in the early 1960's while in the Air Force and was best known as the owner/manager of the Reno Shakey's Pizza Parlor on 5th and Keystone until its closure in 1999. Most recently he was a familiar face at Galena High School, where he worked as the site facilities coordinator.
In the early days, Reno Shakey's was known as the local hotspot, requiring two security guards just to keep customers out when UNR students overwhelmed the maximum occupancy codes to catch the live entertainment and some 50 varieties of brew. Mike was always there, behind the bar, often with his young children in tow. At some point all of his kids worked with him at the parlor as they grew into adulthood, with Mike teaching them the finer points of rolling dough, washing trays and pouring an ice-cold Coors before they went off to college.
After the closure of Shakey's, Mike went to work for the Washoe County School District. He was quickly promoted to site facilities coordinator at Galena High School where he oversaw the building and maintenance staff. Mike was loved by the staff, teachers and students alike and was best known for his hard work ethic and humming in the hallways.
Mike is survived by his son, Scott (Carla); daughter, Susan Annette Camden (Mike); stepdaughters, Lisa Squire Vincent (Shawn) and Holly Squire Walsh (Mike); his brothers, Addison, Brent (Ann), and Chip (Janet) and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and extended family. Mike was preceded in death by his son, Steve; mother, Glennie and father, Esley, Jr.
Mike loved boating, golfing, car races, his kids, his dogs, his Coors, and spending time with family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 from 3 to 6 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 10 a.m. Each will take place at Mountain View Mortuary, 425 Stoker Avenue, Reno, NV. A reception to celebrate Mike's life will be held immediately on Thursday, July 9, 2009 following the memorial service at Boulevard Pizza located at 1076 North Rock Blvd., Sparks, NV.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Esley Higginbotham
Linda (Jeffers)Spencer
July 25, 2009
Annette,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.I remember him being the nicest man. It seems so long ago...our days of being kids and living in northwest Reno. I remember the trapoline,Campfire girls and sleepovers. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Karen Shara-Griggs
July 24, 2009
I am so upset to know that Mike is gone. But I take solace in knowing that he is in Heaven. He was so good to me. He was my boss and my friend. I hope he knew how much I cared about him. He will always have a special place in heart and I will miss him dearly. Love you, Boss!!
Robbie Jennings
July 17, 2009
dearest Scott and family my prayers are with all of you I have such fond memories of all of as kids camping and being at Shakeys please know I am thinking of you. Love Robbie Kellogg Jennings
July 15, 2009
Dear Annette,
I was so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I knew Mike from high school, of course, he was a lot older than me, but he was very smart and a lot of fun. I am sure you have some great memories in your heart that will last you forever. Keep them close to your heart always.
Love you
Patsy Hicks Burton
Jamie
July 15, 2009
During this time of mourning, I would like to express my sincere condolence at the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in persistent prayers, as “the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your heart and your mental powers.” [Phil. 4:7] I certainly hope that the help God can give at this time will make a difference.
Tiffany Elder
July 10, 2009
In times of loss and sadness, we must find comfort in the knowledge that our loved one is with our Lord and Savior and has finally found peace. It is a time to rejoice for the one that we love and mourn for our loss. We must have faith in the Lord, for he will heal our pain and comfort us through this trying time. Let us remember the good times and wonderful memories of this extraordinary man. My prayers go out to all of Mike's family and friends. God Bless.
Billy Sweeney
July 8, 2009
This is a time for friends and family to come together as one and reflect on the great times and memories you shared together in Mikes life, my prayers are with the family and friends.
Pat Sweeney
July 8, 2009
So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with the family and friends through this healing process.
Vonnie Larson
July 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Mikes family. Mike & Shakeys were one of a kind, an icon that will live on in conversations. By far it was the best and most fun job I ever had, "never a dull moment" I use to say to him. These memories will keep him and Shakeys around for a long time, putting a grin on most faces. May God give you the strength and keep you safe.
Judy Meagher
July 8, 2009
Many wonderful promotion parties were held at Shakey's many years ago with lots of beer and pizza. Mike was always so accomodating, pleasant and fun and made all of us feel so welcome. He was one of a kind which made Shakey's one of the hot spots of Reno and he will never be forgotten. We were all so sad when Shakey's closed. My prayers and thoughts go to his family. God Speed, Mike.
Judy Parker
July 8, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tamara Anderson
July 8, 2009
Susan, sorry for you loss. As you know, when one door closes another opens. Now you and Scott have each other. You know that you dad was so happy to have have you to together for his final days. Stay strong and if I can do anything to help you plese let me know. Love You.
Linda Hodges
July 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joyce Newman
July 8, 2009
Susan sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Michele Fletcher
July 8, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Shirley Campbell
July 7, 2009
Susan I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family.
Zena Kane
July 7, 2009
Scott, Holly and Family-
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a kind, generous man. I have many fond memories of him, at Shakey's, surrounded with laughter and good friends. He will be missed.
Take care...
Lori Church
July 7, 2009
I have known Mike since 1963 when my husband, Wes Apperson, and I would go into Shakey's after softball games. Wes also was stationed at Stead Air Force Base. Over the years, Wes and I divorced and I have since remarried. My husband, Fred, and I continued to go into Shakey's to see Mike and have pizza. He always had a smile for us and it was fun to catch up on family news. I've always thought the world of Mike and missed him terribly after Higgy's closed. God bless.
Lori (Apperson) Church
Terri Knott
July 7, 2009
Susan I just want to let you know that Aaron and I are sorry for your loss and that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as they have been through this...If you need anything let us know.
Shannon Ore
July 7, 2009
Susan
After reading this tribute to your father, I now see why you adored him so much. Although time and space separated you, I see why you dropped everything to be by his side. I am so very proud of you for that. To walk into the unknown and be there for him, and Scott. The way your children were by his side is also a true testament to the parent you are. I know he was full with pride at the daughter and grandchildren he had. I love you and I miss you.
July 7, 2009
Annette,
My thoughts are with you.
Anne Smith
July 7, 2009
Susan and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. If there is anything I can do just let me know. I hope you find comfort in the words at Psalms 34:18.
With lots of Love and Deepest Sympathy,
Robin Gallier
Vickie Wood
July 7, 2009
Susan & Family
I was sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Vickie Wood
Gary Ramociotti
July 6, 2009
Mike was a nice boss and a great guy...And the best pizza and rojos ever...To Mike's family, may God be with this day and always.
Sandy Trammell
July 6, 2009
Susan we love you and miss you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mannie Maskaly
July 6, 2009
Our sincere thoughts and condolences to the family. We will miss your smile & wave whenever we passed you on the street or drove by your house. Lots of memories at Shakee's, keeping my kids busy! Love, Nick, Mannie, Suzanne & Nicholas
July 6, 2009
Susan and family,
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father! If he was half the person you are Susan, and by the looks of his obituary he was just as loved as you are by those who knew him, then his life made a difference to those around him! I am sorry I will be unable to be there for the celebration of his life, but I will be praying that he will find himself in heaven, sweeping the halls and pouring a cold one for the Big Guy!
Peace to all of you from the Unlimited Services family!
Sincerely,
Bill Kessenich, President
Melanie Cooper
July 5, 2009
I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor, which he maintained througout his entire life with us. For this I am grateful; I will forever smile when as I remember and share his LEGACY with his 6 Great Grandsons here in Lynchburg,Va. I love and miss you Mom. My thoughts and prayers remain with my family.
Beckie Camden
July 5, 2009
Susan and Scott,so sorry to hear about your father,just got the news a little while ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
July 5, 2009
To my best friend and family, My prayers and condolences are with you during this time of loss. I know you will treasure the time that you were able to spend with your father in your heart forever. God Bless you all. Love Always, Marilyn Mason Lynchburg, Virginia
Mitzi Nations
July 5, 2009
My condolences go out to my wonderful sister, Annette and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Embrace one another and keep alive all the memories of your Dad.
Sara DeLorge
July 4, 2009
Susan and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We miss you being here but are glad you got to spend time with your dad. Those memories will be some of your best.
Sara and Mike DeLorge
Cathy Marsh
July 4, 2009
To family and friends, I know this is a difficult time in your lives but just think of all the good times you and Mike have shared together and those thoughts and memories will get you through God Bless.
Connie Marsh
July 4, 2009
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends, you are in my prayers.
Timothy Marsh
July 4, 2009
To family and friends my thoughts and prayers are with you through this trying time.
James Marsh
July 4, 2009
My prayers are with the family and friends as you go through the heeling process of this valuable loss which can only be overcome by the fond memories that you have shared throughout your life.
Donna McLane
July 4, 2009
Annette my prayers are with you and the family. I wish I could be there for you.
Elizabeth Camden
July 4, 2009
We love you Susan and are thinking of you always. You're shuch a special person and I know your Dad is so proud of his Daughter! We miss you and our prayers are with you. Love you! ~Spencer, Michael & Elizabeth
ANN GUTIERREZ
July 3, 2009
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES TO YOUR FAMILY AND ESPECIALLY SUSAN. WE MISS YOU AND WISH WE COULD ALL BE THERE FOR YOU AND SCOTT AND EXTENDED FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU.
ERNIE AND ANN
Pete Allen
July 3, 2009
I had not seen Mike for several years now; however we enjoyed some great times at Shakee's, and at the old health department shindigs! I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and extend my most sincere thoughts and condolences.
Candice Hill
July 3, 2009
Love you Pops Always!
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