Edwin Stanley Higgins

Edwin Stanley Higgins, 99 years, of Richmond, Virginia entered eternal life on December 26, 2024. He was born on March 12, 1925, the son of John Thomas Higgins and Nettie Viola Stein Higgins, in Brooklyn, NY. His beloved wife, Barbara, older brother Jack, and two infant sisters preceded him in death.

Stan is survived by his three children; Elizabeth Plunkett (Ted), James Higgins (Cathy), and Glenn Higgins. He leaves behind four grandchildren: Bryan Plunkett, Scott Plunkett (Susan), Matthew Higgins (Maria), and Emma Higgins, and one great granddaughter, Claire Plunkett.

Stan was a devoted husband and father with a strong Christian faith. He served as elder and clerk of session at Trinity Presbyterian Church for 30 years.

One of the “Greatest Generation”, he lived through the Great Depression and served in World War II in the Southwest Pacific Theater from 1943-46. There, he was a combat medic and Sherman tank crewman before heading to Yokohama, Japan for Occupation. The GI bill made his dream of college possible. He attended Alfred University, and by 1956 he had earned a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry from Syracuse University. Stan began his 36 year career as professor of biochemistry at the Medical College of Virginia/VCU in 1956. He taught over 14,000 physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and research scientists. He served as Interim Chairman of the Biochemistry Department, and was Assistant Dean of the School of Basic Health Sciences. Administrative duties included serving as Executive Secretary of the Institutional Advisory Committee, serving on the Medical School Curriculum Committee, and on the Medical School Admissions Committee. His research resulted in nearly 100 publications and book chapters and in biographical listings in six scientific reference compilations.

Stan retired as Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics in 1991. He remained a lifelong learner, teaching and taking a variety of classes through Open University at the Shepherd Center. He wrote 52 letters to the editor, published by the Richmond Times Dispatch, and earned several “Correspondent of the Day” awards. His view in retirement: We can only understand life looking backward, but we can live it only by looking forward.

Stan was forever grateful for his good fortune of living with Barbara at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, and his family appreciates the continuous care he received. A memorial service is planned at Westminster Canterbury for January 24, 2025 at 2:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Pastoral Care or the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Foundation, 1600 Westbrook Ave, Richmond, Va. 23227.