John Oliver Higgins

He was born at home in Palmetto, above the Higgins Garage. The youngest of three children, Charles Higgins and Mary Jane (both deceased), he was born to John Sherman and Frieda Meltzer Higgins (both deceased). He went to school in Palmetto, and at the age of 18, he was drafted to serve in Korea with the Army but had to be delayed due to a broken leg from a horse injury. When he returned from the service, he went back to school and graduated from Manatee County High School in 1956 and married Eleanor on September 23rd of that same year. He was an employee of Florida Plastic and Borden Chemical and worked in real estate throughout his life, first with his father and brother and then in later years with Wagner Reality. John Oliver went by many names: to friends, he was Oliver; in business, he was John; and to his family, he was Dad, Uncle Oliver (Ollie), and Poppy. He loved popping popcorn and making pancakes for his grandkids. He would smoke mullets, turkeys, and barbecue ribs for many Palmetto families. He is survived by his 3 children, Patricia Miller (Tom), Jeff Higgins (Missy), and Elizabeth Summeralls (James). 5 grandchildren Whitney Jeffries, Rainey St. John (Nick), Nathaniel Miller (Heidi), Christopher Miller (Faith), and James-Michael Summeralls. 6 great-grandchildren: Skylar Jeffries, Payton Jeffries, Calin St. John, Jedidiah Miller, Marshall Miller, and Everett St. John. His nephew Johnny Paschal (Meg), niece Jeannie Higgins Sanders, and many other extended family members. Visitation will be held Friday, March 8 from 6–8 at Groover Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 9th, at 10 a.m. at FBC Palmetto with a graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to FBC Palmetto Mission Fund or Tidewell Hospice.