Denzle Homer Higgins, Sr.

Denzle Homer Higgins, Sr., 82, of Lynn Haven, FL passed from this life entering into his Heavenly Father’s arms November 19th, 2008. Denzle was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on September 20, 1926 to the late Richard Higgins, Sr. and Esther (Lance) Higgins. He graduated from Wartrace High School in 1944. Afterward, he attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He married his high-school sweetheart, Marjorie Fay Arnold on April 6, 1951 and through their love four children were born. Denzle joined the Air Force in 1947, serving his country with strength, dignity and honor for 28 years. Tours of duty included Germany, Tennessee, Washington DC, Alaska, and Florida; retiring as SMSGT in 1974. He twice received the coveted Meritorious Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Longevity Service Award. Upon his retirement he continued his education in real-estate, and also served Pilcher Contractors, Inc. of Panama City, FL for 20 years. Denzle was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Lynn Haven, FL where he served his Lord in many capacities, including care of the elderly. His passion was his family and raising his children in the light of Christ’s love. He was a man of great character and integrity. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman; truly he was at one with nature. He enjoyed all Gods’ creations, and loved people. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Mason, Hilton, Clarence, and Calvin Higgins; and sisters Burlyn Edwards, Nora Dean Shirley, Irene Sanders, Jessie Gray Rees, and Joan Arnold. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marjorie Fay (Arnold) Higgins; his four children, Ann Blue and her husband Duane of Ocean Springs, MS; Barbara Robinson and her husband Tim of Lacey’s Spring, AL; Denzle Higgins, Jr. and his wife Maria of North Pole, AK; and Holly Bullock and her husband Allen of Ocean Springs, MS; He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Marshall Heaster, Marsha Robinson Berry and her husband Brian, Trisha Robinson, Robert Blue II, Denzle Higgins III, April Blue, Christina Higgins, AJ Bullock, and Tiffany Bullock. He is also survived by brothers Tolbert Higgins of Nashville, TN, and Richard Higgins of Shelbyville, TN; and sister Elizabeth Searcy of Shelbyville, TN. Special thanks to all who knew him; it was indeed an honor and a blessing. Philippians’ 1:20 – (Readiness for life or death accordingly to the apostle Paul): “According to my earnest expectation and my hope that in nothing shall I be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death”. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. Memorial services will be held at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church; Lynn Haven, Florida, on Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 PM. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge.