Harold L. Higgins

Memorial services for Harold Loyd Higgins, Jr., 77, of Whitehouse will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Snell officiating. Mr. Higgins passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Whitehouse. He was born July 12, 1947, in Paris, Texas to Harold Loyd Higgins, Sr. and Doris Gaylord Lockey. Harold graduated from Whitehouse High School in 1965. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1974 from East Texas State University and a Master of Science Degree in 1985 from the University of Texas at Tyler. After serving six years in the United States Air Force, Harold served an additional 32 years in the Texas Air National Guard. He retired as the Command Chief Master Sargent for the State of Texas. Chief Higgins continued to serve Texas as Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Texas State Guard. While serving in the Guard, Harold was also the Program Manager for the Texas Department of State Health Services Region 4/5 Immunization Program. Upon his retirement from the State, he was recruited by NET Health where he served as the Deputy Director. Harold was a champion for the field of public health for more than 35 years. Throughout his careers, Harold was recognized on many occasions for his outstanding work ethic, leadership, and commitment to serving the public. Some of his more prestigious accomplishments included the W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two devices, the Air Force commendation Medal with one device. Harold achieved his highest honor when he was inducted into the Texas Military Forces Hall of Honor on May 17, 2014. Harold was also a member of several clubs and organizations, including the National Guard Association of Texas, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, the Goodtime Shooters Club, the Bumblers Camping Group, and the Whitehouse Coffee Club. Harold was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Doris Higgins and daughter Paige Higgins. He is survived by his loving wife Anita of 55 years, his daughter Amanda Kubala and husband Brandon, his son Taylor Higgins and wife Anicka, his sister Gaye Wulf, his brother Dan Higgins and wife Rebecca, his sister Brenda Hall and husband Tommy, and Sister-in-law Linda Warren. Harold had three grandchildren, Collin and Clayton Kubala and Larken Higgins. He is also survived by three nieces, three nephews, and nine grandnephews. Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers Foundation or First Baptist Church, 801 East Main, Whitehouse TX, in lieu of flowers.

Harold L. Higgins

July 12, 1947 - July 14, 2024