Earl Higgins Jr.

Francis Earl Higgins Jr., affectionately known to friends and family as Earl, passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 82. A longtime and cherished resident of The Woodlands, Texas, Earl’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and the community he quite literally helped build from the ground up.

Born on June 27, 1943, to Francis Earl Higgins of Houston, Texas, and Virginia Lee Hodges Higgins of Marshall, Texas, Earl was raised with a deep sense of duty, loyalty, and family pride. He grew up alongside his sisters, Cherry Lynn and Brenda Lee. Coming from a proud lineage of military service—his grandfather having fought in World War I and his father in World War II—Earl answered the call to serve his country with the Texas National Guard (Army) , a testament to the selfless ethos that would come to define his entire life and character.

Earl is survived by his son Gary O’Neil, spouse Andrea and grandson Garrett; and, his loving sister in law Janice and her husband Bobby Syphrett. At the very heart of Earl’s remarkable journey was his beloved wife, Jean Dawson Higgins. Married for six decades, Earl and Jean shared a profound bond and a lifetime of beautiful memories. They were a team in every sense, navigating life's challenges and celebrating its triumphs together. Their shared history is beautifully and permanently intertwined with the growth and spirit of the community they called home.

Earl's professional legacy is forever embedded in the lush landscapes of The Woodlands. Hired by George Mitchell in 1967 as an accountant for Mitchell Energy, Earl did not initially anticipate becoming a cornerstone of community development. However, his exceptional talent on the golf course quickly caught the eye of the forward-thinking founder. Known as one of the finest amateur golfers in the Greater Houston area, Earl became Mitchell's trusted liaison, playing alongside corporate executives and helping to forge critical business relationships that would shape the region's future.

Recognizing Earl's unique vision and relentless work ethic, Mitchell proudly made him Employee No. 1 of The Woodlands Development Company. Together, they shared a strict "no excuses" philosophy. When Mitchell envisioned a pioneering, world-class master-planned community, he turned to Earl to scout the dense Texas timber and envision rolling fairways where only dirt trails and towering trees stood.

Earl was instrumental in bringing championship golf to The Woodlands, helping to shepherd the very first course—now known as The West Course at The Woodlands Country Club—into existence in less than a single year. His tireless efforts culminated in hosting the Houston Open in 1975, drawing tens of thousands of people to a new community that was still laying its first paved roads.

His prowess on the greens was matched only by his incredible project management acumen. During the 1977 Houston Open, Earl had an edge on golf legend Arnold Palmer early, but after a playful and memorable challenge from Earl, Palmer famously went on to shoot a 63. Earl went on to serve as the project manager for the Gary Player and Arnold Palmer courses at The Woodlands Country Club, as well as the Jack Nicklaus course at The Club at Carlton Woods. After the completion of each masterpiece, Earl would proudly drive George Mitchell around the 18 holes in a golf cart, ensuring every single detail met their shared standard of pristine, natural beauty.

Beyond the immaculate greens, the legendary golf duels, and the corporate milestones, Francis Earl Higgins Jr. was a man of immense character, humility, and warmth. Whether he was taking a morning phone call to ensure enough wildflowers were being planted to beautify the community, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with golf's greatest icons, Earl approached every day with quiet competence and a genuine heart.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Jean, his loving nieces and nephews, extended family, and a community that will forever bear the indelible mark of his vision. Every time the wind rustles through the trees of The Woodlands, and every time a drive sails down its pristine fairways, Earl’s enduring spirit lives on.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, Grand Hall, on Monday May 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

A Catered Reception will immediately follow in the R.L. Wood room, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will take place at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039, US, on Monday May 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM.