Charles Richard “Dick” Higdon, 85, of Andrews, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Dick was born January 18, 1939, to the late Charles and Virginia Ruth Higdon and was the proud eldest to three brothers: Steve Higdon, David Higdon, and Gary Higdon.

Dick married Mary Jacquelyn “Jackie” Puett on May 5, 1962, and shared 62 years of marriage. They resided in Andrews, and had two sons, John Richard Higdon and Jim Hugh Higdon, two grandsons Brady Payne and Alex Higdon, a great-grandson Maverick Payne and a daughter in-law Julia Holcomb Higdon.

He graduated from Andrews High School in 1957. Dick was president of Higdon Construction Company, founded by his father Charles and later co-owned with his brother David, where he diligently worked doing asphalt paving for more than 50 years. He loved buying and selling equipment which he and his brother Gary reconditioned for the annual Kissimmee Florida auction each February.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed riding horses, where he rode on several wagon trains, including the first wagon train from Tellico Plains, Tenn. to Murphy. In retirement, Dick fondly spent time trading cattle and frequenting equipment auctions. He never missed a sunny day to be in the field with his cows.

Dick was a member of Andrews First Baptist Church. He had a profound Christian faith, trusted the Lord, and showed unconditional love to all. He never met a stranger, and his quick-witted banter, contagious smile, optimism and entertaining stories will be missed. A man of strong work ethic, grit, and principle, Dick later went on to say, “He waited too late, and worked too many Saturdays”.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his brother, Steve “Stub” Higdon.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jaqueline “Jackie” Puett Higdon; sons John and Jim; grandsons Brady Payne and Alex Higdon; great-grandson Maverick Payne; daughter-in-law Julia Holcomb Higdon; brothers David Higdon and wife, Meredith all of Andrews and Gary Higdon and wife, Joan of Hiwassee Dam; nephews Anthony Higdon, Steve Higdon, Chad Higdon; and nieces Annette Higdon Ensley, Cynthia Higdon Bateman, and Jamie Higdon Rodriguez.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at Andrews First Baptist Church with the Revs. Dr. Calvin Bobo and Ralph Barnard officiating.  Special music was provided by Steve Jordan.

 Interment was in Valleytown Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Steve Jordan, Michael Higdon, Jerry Brooks, Anthony Higdon, Steve Higdon and Chad Higdon.

The family received friends from 5 -8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Andrews First Baptist Church.

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Charles Richard “Dick” Higdon to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.