Charles Higgins

Charles David Higgins, 66, of Farmville, Virginia passed away in Roanoke, Virginia on Thursday April 23 ^rd , 2015 at 12:30pm from complications suffered after an automobile accident. He was born to Elmira McGhee Higgins and Willard Theodore Higgins on March 27, 1949 in Farmville, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Willard (Mickey) Theodore Higgins, Jr.

Mr. Higgins attended Cumberland High School where he played baseball.  He was a catcher during his playing days, and a lifelong New York Yankees fan.  He was a 1973 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and worked as a service representative and project designer for Dominion Power for 39 years.

Early in his life, he discovered what would be an unyielding love for horses. He was well known for his involvement with quarter horses, having recently been inducted into the Virginia Quarter Horse Association’s Hall of Fame. He was recognized as an expert in training horses and developing riders and was a fixture at horse shows not only across the state but also at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio. He generously volunteered his time and talents at innumerable events in the Quarter House Community. His passion and commitment to the advancement of horsemanship was immeasurable.

He is survived by daughters Kindle Higgins of Cornelius, NC and Holly Higgins Wilcher (husband, Seth) of Wilmington, NC; granddaughter Ella Mae Wilcher of Wilmington, NC; brother Robert Higgins of Richmond, VA; sisters Ruby Mahan of Richmond, VA, Alene Crews of Keysville, VA, Kathleen Higgins of Richmond, VA, Carolyn Higgins of Farmville, VA; a host of cousins, nephews, and nieces; beloved partner Janett Southall, “Top Hand” Whitney Southall, and Adam Southall (wife, Melissa; children Mason and Addi); dear friend, Janis Haftman; and “other brother,” James Ferrrell.

Services will be held at 2pm on Monday April 28, 2015 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Rice, Virginia. Relatives and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Virginia Quarter Horse Association so that a fund can be established to honor Mr. Higgins’ legacy by promoting the quarter horse to future generations of riders. (Checks can be made to Mike Stoher, VQHA Secretary, 15390 Union Church Rd., Beaverdam, VA 23015 with ‘Dave Higgins Memorial’ in the memo line.)