Bill was born May 1, 1925 in Blackburn, Oklahoma, the oldest of 14 children born to Gene Higgins and Eula Cynthia Higgins. Bill served his country in the United States Navy Seabees during World War II. He was married to Betty Maxine Huse on August 5, 1945 in Perry, Oklahoma. The couple’s first home was made in Blackburn. The couple moved to Ponca City in 1953 where they established their home in the Osage. Bill had worked in the street and sanitation departments of Ponca City for 34 years, retiring in 1987. He married Norma Dobbs on February 14, 1991. Bill remained busy in his later years with all kinds of odd jobs around Ponca City. 

Bill’s enjoyments were his family, fishing, hunting, camping, playing poker and visiting with others. 

He is survived by four sons, Russell Gene Higgins of Crescent, California, Jack Higgins and wife Kay, and Gary Higgins and wife Linda, all of Ponca City, and Donny Higgins of McAlester, Oklahoma; three sisters and one brother; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Betty, on January 10, 1990; his second wife, Norma, on May 20, 2006; one son Billy Ray Higgins; numerous brothers and sisters. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2014 at Osage Heights Baptist Church, 142 Tapp Road with Toby Blackstar presiding. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. 

Casket bearers are Jackie Higgins, Gary Higgins, Billy Higgins, James Lindsay, Tom Woodrum and Lane Klinger. Honorary casket bearers are great grandchildren.