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Allen Bane Higginbotham Jr.

Allen Higginbotham Obituary

HIGGINBOTHAM, Jr., ALLEN BANE Allen Bane Higginbotham, Commander, United States Navy, Retired, died on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. He was 53 years old. Commander Higginbotham was born on October 24, 1955, in Portsmouth, Virginia. After graduating from James Madison High School in Vienna, he attended Virginia Military Institute, graduating in 1979. A career Naval Officer, CDR Higginbotham spent the 1980's serving the U.S. Navy in the North Atlantic on the following ships: USS Koontz, DDG 40; USS Edward McDonnell, FF 1043; and USS Sellers, DDG 11. He retired from the Navy in 2003. With his wife, Vicki, he purchased a local company, Trident Bottled Water Accessories, which they expanded into an online nationwide business, and then sold it four years later to embark on a year long around-the-world tour. An avid traveler, Allen enjoyed visiting new places and meeting new people. Wherever he went, his keen wit and dry sense of humor quickly endeared him to acquaintances that usually became lifelong friends. He is survived by wife, Vicki Fredericks of San Diego, CA, and his two daughters, Julia Engel of Minneapolis, MN, and Claire Higginbotham of Apple Valley, MN. He is also survived by his parents, Allen and Linda Higginbotham of Sarasota, FL; one sister, Ann Prohoniak of Charlotte, NC; and two brothers, David of Manassas, VA, and Robert of Fairfax, VA.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Apr. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Higginbotham

Sponsored by Robert Higginbotham.

27 Entries

Ed Born, LCDR (Ret)

March 3, 2014

Dear Vicki, Linda and family,

I served with Al on both the USS COONTZ and the USS EDWARD MCDONNELL. For those of you that have heard the story of the "big green light" and "the guns gone crazy"; they are true, I was there. And the time we spent broken down in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic, yeah - that is true also. There was "big game" hunting for mice with a BB gun in FL and "Give me a DeWert on the rocks" in GITMO at the club. The time he made a fireman a Top Watch the day before an OPPE. There was also the story in the Va Pilot where a man was selling water out of a spring at a price greater than the price of oil. Al thought that was a great idea.....and many more. Al - I thought we had more time! I was looking forward to reliving those tales with you for many years to come. To be stationed on two ships with you was an honor!

Joe Gutierrez

December 10, 2013

I was shocked to hear that Allen had passed away. As his XO in Tampa, we shared plenty of obstacles in ensuring our center was always prepared but the times I remember best were the one to one conversations we had regarding our families. He would always talk about his kids and Vicki. When she came down he would say- XO, the center is yours. He spoke at my retirement eloquently and knew how much I was going to miss the Navy and that he too would soon have to face retirement. Al loved the Navy, but it ranked third behind Vicki and the kids. Al was the closest confidant I had and wished I would have kept closer tabs. Vicki, my sincere condolences and AL, maybe there is a reserve center up there where we can meet and talk once again.

Noah Pullen

July 11, 2013

When I met Mr. Higginbotham on the USS Sellers I was mess cranking in the wardroom. He was always upbeat and had a smile that would make you forget your sea sickness if you were out to sea. Much later in life I had the pleasure of having him carryout my re-enlistment in the USNR in Tampa, Fl. That easy going spirit and smile was just as present then as it was a decade earlier on the Sellers.

Not sure why but when I remember my service on the "Double One, Second to None" I always thought of Mr. Higginbotham.

I am terribly saddened to learn of his passing. My thought and prayers go out to his family. Thank you for your service to our country with him.

Fair winds and Following Seas Sir.

Re-enlisinting, US Naval Resv. Cntr Tampa, Fl. He was a Lt on my first ship the USS Sellers.

Noah Pullen

July 11, 2013

Michael Wisniewski

March 19, 2013

I only recently learned of Al's passing and was deeply saddened. He was my OPSO on tha wonderful wreck known as the USS EDWARD McDONNELL. He made what was arguably the toughest tour I ever had... very manageable. I have met thousands of sailors since, but there has never been a better sea-story teller. I'm smiling right now thinking of the raucous times we had during what was arguably pretty tough times. I am a better man for having known Al and hope to swap stories with him again some day. Godspeed Al. Your shipmate "wizboman"

David D'Ermilio

May 12, 2012

Dear Vicki and Allen's Family,
Allen and I were at Surface Warfare Officers School, Newport RI, in the same section, in the summer of 1981. Just the other day I happened to be reminiscing about SWOS days and the great friends I made there. Of course I remembered Al, he was always keeping us laughing through the stressful days of classes and nights of studying at the BOQ. A year or so later, when we were out in the fleet in Norfolk, the Coontz was tied up abreast of my ship, USS McCandless. I remember going across and meeting Al for a chat and a cup of coffee. Having had this flash of memory, I was inspired to search for Al online today, and of course sadly learned of your loss. Please accept my sincere (though belated) condolences, and know that I'll always remember Al as a classmate, friend and great shipmate.

Fred Hansell

July 26, 2011

Dear Vicky
Or should I say the BEST XO a Sailor could ever of served with. I don't know if you will receive this message. Dorie and I have thought about you many times over the years and tried several times to locate you with the internet. We are so sorry for your loss. I'm typing this to you as I look at the wedding invitation you sent us. we still regret that we were unable to attend. You were the best Officer and friend I served with my entire career. We hope you are well! If you do receive this, I hope we get a chance to catch up. Take care XO... Fred & Dorie Hansell 563 209 4531..

Judy Falkenthal

April 29, 2009

Dear Vicki,
I am a good friend of Linda and Al, and had the pleasure of meeting you and Al at their anniversay party a few years ago in Sarasota. I am so sorry for your loss,and I pray that you will be comforted by family and friends at this time.
Judy

Dennis Carter

April 7, 2009

Godspeed, Al. I am sure you have one hand on the starboard rail and are waving back at me.

Ward Wilson

April 7, 2009

Dear Vicki,
Allen and I met in Newport, R.I. in 1980 when we were both going through the Navy's Officer Candidate School. We were in the same company (Kilo). I greatly admired Allen and I am deeply saddened with this news.

Tim

April 7, 2009

Vicki,
I am so sorry for your loss. Al was a great man and I am very happy I got to meet both of you. Rest in peace.

Peter Hurley

April 7, 2009

Dear Vicki,
I am sorry for your loss. I miss Al, and I know you must miss him terribly. Please give me a call anytime you would like to talk or visit. The girls and I always are here for you.

Maryfrances Hollick

April 7, 2009

Hello Vicki,
Allen Bane Higginbotham Jr. Is AWESOME.
I will never ever forget that man. He taught me the one handed bead catch at Mardi Gras. He introduced me to the 25 cent martini at Commanders Palace. It was never dull with Al. Thank you for the memories Al. love you Vicki.

Hugs,
Maryfrances

Arlene Reichart

April 7, 2009

Dear Vicki,
I'm sorry that we didn't get to know Al but I know that he was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Love from all of us in NJ.

Steve Scholze

April 7, 2009

Vicki,
My sympathy and prayers go out to you and the USN family. May Al rest in peace. May you treasure the time spent.
Sincerely,

Bill Sanchez

April 7, 2009

I was not fortunate enough to have known Al and Vicki for too long and in much depth. I did know them well enough to be able to tell they were both pretty special people.

Both very bright, driven, goal oriented and professional. He was a little more gregarious, she a little more subdued and introspective. Both great human beings. And fun to be with.

Our final death actually comes when everyone has forgotten about us, stops talking about us, and no one thinks about us ever again. Al will still be with us for quite a while.

My guess is that Al and Vicki had many conversations lately. My guess is that he insisted, encouraged and made her promise to "go on". At the right time, she needs to heed his advise, and the hope that we who love her have.

I send my love to both of them. My wishes of strength and courage to Vicki.

Be well.

db

Candy Pottenger

April 6, 2009

Al and Vicki - ss a lifelong Sailor, I am grateful for what you and Al together gave to our Navy. More important, you two gave so much to your families and friends, and to each other. A special man, whom we will all miss dearly.

Darrel Carter

April 6, 2009

What a great guy! I feel richer for having known him and the world is a poorer place without him. Great sense of humor. He sat very patiently through my Model T driving lessons at Denny's 2007 Harvest Party but I couldn't get him to take the wheel. God bless him. We will all miss him. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Vicki
Darrel Carter

Maria Millares

April 6, 2009

My dearest Vicki,

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Al. I'm so lucky to have met him and be part of both of your lives. We all miss Al. You know if you need anything just pick up the phone. I miss you and my prayers are with you.

Love ya,
Maria

David Smith

April 6, 2009

Vicki,
I am very sorry for your loss. Al was the kind of man many of us wish we could be like. The pain will pass, but the memories won't. God bless.
David Smith, VMI '79

Paul Cubbison

April 6, 2009

Dear Vicki,

I am very fortunate to have met Al through being your guys' pool man. He always had a smile on his face and was a pleasure to talk to. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Sincerely,
Paul Cubbison

Bill Sims

April 6, 2009

Vicki,

Al seemed to always have a smile on his face--he was married to you, so he SHOULD smile, right???

As we discussed recently, as long as I live I'll remember the "adventure" of the Endymion Parade, and I'm sure to retell the story again and again.

I offer my condolences for your loss.

Sincerely,

CAPT Bill Sims, USN (Ret)

Leslie and Al, Gulfport, MS July 1994

Leslie Jenne

April 6, 2009

Dearest Vicki, family and friends:
I wish peace to bring you comfort; Courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories of Al to hold forever in our hearts.
We will all miss Al forever.

My love to you Vicki!

Leslie

George Morgan

April 5, 2009

Al and Linda,
So sorry to learn of Al Junior's passing. It has been many years since our days in Josephus Daniels, but when I saw the notice in the San Diego paper I wanted to reach out and express my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Roger and Jo Coffey

April 5, 2009

Al and Linda,
It has been a long time since we saw Al.Jr in Rainbow Heights. Our sympathy to you and his family. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.

doug farley

April 5, 2009

I had the great privilege of having Al as
a close friend and was honored to be his
best man when he and Vicki were married in
the Florida Keys. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Al was taken much too soon and I will always cherish the many great times he and I shared. I miss him very much.

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