Manson E. Higginbotham

Earl was born in Woodbine, Georgia to Evelyn (Peacock) and Milton Higginbotham on 15 February 1935. He graduated from Murphy High School in Atlanta Georgia in 1953. After graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served honorably for 9.5 years as a Drill Instructor and a Crew Chief for Marine One. He then transferred to the Army where he served three tours in Vietnam, receiving a Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Master Aircraft Vietnam Badge, Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), Air medal, 4 Overseas Bars, Republican of Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Mechanics’ Badge with w/Prop Bar, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/60 Device, Presidential Unit Siltation-Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm. Earl retired after 22 years of military and multiple accolades. Following his military career served as a Police Officer with North Miami Beach Police Department, where he not only was a patrol officer but also was their helicopter pilot retiring in 1989.

Earl was active in his community and a lifelong philanthropist. He was a Past Master of North Shore Masonic Lodge, member of West Broward Masonic Lodge, a 33 Degree Scottish Rite Mason Valley of Miami, Past Potentate of Mahi Shrine Temple, a DeMolay Chapter Dad, IORG Advisor, Jobs Daughters Associate Bethel Guardian, a member of the American Legion Post 321, member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Mr. Cooper City 2018.

He married his beautiful loving wife of nearly 44 years, Ellen in 1979, who he absolutely adored. They traveled the world together and were an inseparable team. Together they had one daughter, Danielle.

Earl loved to travel, loved Western movies, animals, golf, fried food, Famous Grouse, and sweets. He was a jokester (even if they weren’t that good), a philanthropist, opinionated and stubborn, quick witted, a not so great driver, a loyal friend, a sage of wisdom, a shoulder to cry on, an unbelievably strong man and a rock. He loved God and his country, but most of all he loved his family and friends.

Earl is preceded in death by his son Bryan Higginbotham.

He is survived by his wife Ellen Higginbotham, daughter Danielle Higginbotham (Dominc Haywood), son Manson Scott Higginbotham (Cara Higginbotham), daughter Sherly Carey (Bill Carey), his brother Milton Wallace Higginbotham II (Peggy Higginbotham), Grandson Finley Haywood, Granddaughter Tanya Singer (Trevor Hoffman) and Great Grand Children Ajay and Riley, and an unmeasurable amount of friends.

Because of Earl’s love for the Shiners Hospital for Children and his service to the Military we ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his name to either of the following:

Shriner’s Hospital For Children: Donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children® (lovetotherescue.org)

Honor Flight South Florida: https://www.honorflightsouthflorida.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Higginbotham family.