Henry H. Higginbotham

Henry Harrison Higginbotham, 90 Lakeland - Mr. Henry Harrison Higginbotham, Sr , passed away December 30, 2012 in Lakeland, FL Henry was born August 22, 1922 in Rupert, West Virginia and was married to Ila Ruth Light of Marie, West Virginia for 56 years. He was the last remaining of seven children. He served aboard the USS Ringgold DD500 in the Pacific during World War II and was a graduate of West Virginia University. He was a resident of Lakeland, FL from 1956 when he came to work with his father and brother""s land surveying business. He also worked as a science teacher for 25 years at Crystal Lake Jr High School until he retired. He then worked another 25 years and retired from Keith and Schnars Engineering in Lakeland, FL. He was a Soapbox Derby Champion in Charleston, West Virgina. He served for 25 years as the Head Scoutmaster of Troop 104 and served as a Deacon and an Elder at First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ila Ruth Light Higginbotham and his son Henry Harrison Higginbotham, Jr. He is survived by his loving companion of 6 years Diane Kegley; son Donald (Krystal)Higginbotham , daughter, Becky (John)Rodda and daughter in law Barbara Higginbotham of Lakeland, FL, along with seven grandchildren Leah Beth Higginbotham , Amy Higginbotham, Andrew Higginbotham, Kayla Stover, Danae Higginbotham, Jason Rodda and Leslie Blondell; eight great grandchildren Grace, Ila, Evelyn, Johnny Rodda and Kate, Ella, Nolan, and Nora Blondell. Memorial services will be held on January 4th at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or the FPC Boy Scout Troop #104 at 175 Hollingsworth Drive Lakeland, FL 33813. Service: 01/04/2013 First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida