Richard "Higgie" Higginbotham

Richard "Higgie" Higginbotham Richard "Higgie" Higginbotham, 74, of Tucson passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Friday, August 19, 2005. Higgie was born May 24, 193l in Springfield, Ohio to Leroy and Mary Higginbotham. Higgie was a member of the U.S. Air Force from April 14, 1952 to May 1, 1972. In 1962, he was transferred to Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona where he served as an electronic specialist until his retirement in 1972. Higgie's career included positions with the Department of Corrections and City Parks and Recreation. He was also a key representative on the Pro Neighborhood Development and Grant Board. For many years, he worked as a high school and college sports official and was an accomplished Senior Olympian who competed in many sporting events. He won over one hundred and twenty-five medals. Higgie was a tireless volunteer in the Tucson community whose efforts were recognized recently with a dedication and naming of the new Northwest Center gymnasium in his honor. Higgie is survived by brothers, Leroy, Walter and Donald; sisters, Shirley, Patricia, Juanita (Robin) and Donna (Bowden). He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert "Tommy Tucker" and his sister, Marie. Daughters, Wanda Kay Higginbotham-Hardnick, Kim Higginbotham-Miller, Joy H. Velde; sons, Donald (Leslie) Porter and Jerry (Debbie-Lee) Porter; granddaughters, Felicia, Kim, Nicole, and Dominique; grandsons, Christian and Israel, nine great-grandchildren and many other loving relatives and friends mourn his passing. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 26, 12:00 noon at the Armory Park Senior Ballroom, 220 South Fifth Avenue. The City of Tucson has established a memorial fund in the name of Higgie. Please send donations to: City of Tucson, Higgie Gym Fund, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85712. Attn: Pat McGrath. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.