Robert was born July 19, 1962, to Reginald and Betty Bateman Higginbotham in Macon, Mississippi. He was a faithful follower of Christ, an avid outdoorsman, and community servant. Known as “Bobby” by his family, he lived life at a fast pace and was always on the go. He loved his church, First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, where he served as an elder. As an outdoorsman he loved to encourage others to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. He helped lead the National Wild Turkey Federation at the highest volunteer level, the National Board; where he served as the most recent Board President. He loved his hometown of Louisville and Winston Medical Center, where he worked as an X-ray Tech in the radiology department for 40 years and retired as the Director of Radiology. He loved watching the Ole Miss Rebels play any sport and traveled the country with family watching games. He was never scared to interject and stand up for a person or cause and fight for what was he thought was right. He will be remembered as a great friend who loved his family and would share whatever he had with anyone in need.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Carol Merritt Higginbotham; his children: Kiel Higginbotham and wife, Lara, of Brandon, Mississippi; Josh McNeill of Memphis, Tennessee; Julee McNeill Watkins and husband, Bennie, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; and J. D. McNeill and wife, Katelin, of Louisville; and his mother, Betty Bateman Higginbotham of Shuqualak, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Bobby” to his four grandchildren: Jett Higginbotham, Lake Higginbotham, Maci McNeill, and Maggie McNeill. He is also survived by two brothers, Ronnie (Tina) Higginbotham and John David (Kristi) Higginbotham; as well as his nieces, nephews, other family members, and numerous friends. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Reginald Allen Higginbotham.
Serving as pallbearers are Tommy Boydstun, Speedy Calvert, Roger Caperton, Gary Hilhouse, Will Hill, Robert McCool, Matt Norwood, Richard Randall, and Wendell Womack.
Memorials in honor of Robert may be given to NWTF, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, SC 29824 or to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P. O. Box 321397, Flowood, MS 39232.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
