Obituary
Lewis “Lew” Gene Higgins, 74, of Port Orange, Florida, passed away on January 7, 2017, at Halifax Health Medical Center, Port Orange.
Born in the small town of Marlinton, Lew was proud to be a native of West Virginia. Lew lived the state motto, “Mountaineers are always free,” through his love of travel and adventure, friendliness and desire to help others, enthusiasm for the outdoors and camping, all a reflection of his small-town childhood and close family upbringing.
Lew really fit two full and rich lives into one lifetime. After proudly serving in the Army, Lew became an air traffic controller in Northern Virginia, a job that became his life-long passion. Lew raised two kids during this time, Ken and Wendy. After retiring and moving to Florida, Lew met his wife, Dottie. Together they raised a step-son, Matt. Lew was a great father and step-father, always there for his kids. Lew’s boundless energy and love of air traffic control led him to teaching at Embry Riddle, a second career from which he retired in 2016.
Lew’s pastimes included baseball and football, horseback riding, hunting, and camping.
Lew is survived by his wife, Dottie Higgins; his daughter, Wendy Higgins; his son, Ken Higgins, and his wife Karen; his step-son, Matt Rittweger; and his three grandchildren, Tony Rodriguez, Dan Higgins, and Josh Higgins.
A celebration of Lew’s life will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at his church home, Space Coast Baptist Church, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the church, 223 North Samsula Drive, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 32168.
Arrangements are in the care and trust of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society, Port Orange, Florida.
We will never forget the fun we had with you and Lew when you visited us in Utah. Lew had such a great love for the outdoors and for traveling/exploring new places. We will miss his adventurous spirit!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
1995
Titus 1:2 "in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began."
Romans 10:13 "... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. "
Psalm 86:12 "I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. ..."
We know you are in peace, Lew. We'll meet again!
Kathy and Dick
If you need anything at al, please ask. Look forward to seeing you soon. Take care, stay strong and enjoy Life!
Me and my dad at the beach in Miami...and ready for church on Easter Sunday...many, many, many moons ago!!