Charles Owen Higgins, age 82, of Whitwell entered into Glory on Monday, January 05 with his loving family at his side. Born on October 1, 1943 in the Mt. Olive community of Whitwell Mountain to Herbert and Essie Higgins, his greatest pride came from raising four children with his loving, cherished wife of 55 years Louise, and his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-granddaughter whom he loved “better than a hog loves slop.”
He was a Godly man who loved bluegrass and old-time music. He was a great musician and was known to many as the “human metronome” because of his strong and solid guitar rhythm. He praised and worshipped his Lord and Savior through music and song, and was a choir leader for many years.
Charles was a retired ironworker and boilermaker from Ironworkers Local 704 and Chattanooga Boiler and Tank. He was also a construction contractor through the years. He loved working in his garden and apple trees and sharing his Sequatchie Cove heritage, which was also his most favorite place.
Charles was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Don Higgins and sister Kathleen Floyd.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife Louise Higgins, children Loria (Gary) Bragg, Eva (Donald) Patterson, Tim (Audria) Higgins, Frank Higgins (Cindy Woods), grandchildren Owen (Big Head) Bragg, Maxwell (Max) Higgins Jones, Mackenzie-Kendy (Travis) Hullender, Cheyenne (Boots) Higgins, Tristin-Doodlebug (Ben) Broughton, Charity (Chris) Keys, Nathan (Pookie) Bragg, special grandson Samuel Miller, great-granddaughter Charli Hullender, lifelong friend Bob Townsend, several nieces, nephews, as well as many, many friends. He never met a stranger, loved everyone, and they loved him. He was a very special man and will be greatly missed.
Services were held Friday, January 9 at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Kyle Floyd and Pastor Jerry Basham who officiated. Burial was followed in Higgins Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Visitation was held Wednesday, January 7 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday, January 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrangements were made by Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Hwy 28, Whitwell, TN.
The Marion Tribune – January 15, 2026