OBIT: James Higgins

James Billy Higgins, 71, of Alto, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Heartland Hospice, following an extended illness. Born in Banks County on November 17, 1936, he was the son of the late James Ferd and Lula Martin Higgins. He was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church, and was a former chicken farmer with Fieldale Farms. He enjoyed spending time with his children and great-grandchildren as well as gardening, loved ones stated. Mr. Higgins was preceded in death by a son, James Marion Higgins; sisters, Brenda Sue Higgins, Betty (Sweet Pea) Farmer and Martha (Mot) Garner; brothers, Bobby Higgins, Frank (Buddy) Higgins and Royce Higgins. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Garner Higgins, Alto; sons and daughter-in-law, Tim and Penny Higgins, Baldwin, and Larry Higgins, Winder; daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Robert Thompson, Toccoa, Jackie and Marcus Mangum, Alto, Janet Higgins and Jodie Higgins, both of Alto; sister, Peggy Payne, Baldwin; brothers, Melvin Higgins and Donald Higgins, both of Cornelia, Preston Higgins, Eatonton, and Johnny Higgins, Lincolnton, N.C.; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 1, at 2 p.m., at Mt. View Baptist Church with the Revs. Marvin Beasley, Marcella Beasley and Tim Beasley officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The family is at the residence. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.