John "Sam" Samuel Higginbotham

John Samuel “Sam” Higginbotham, Sr., lovingly known as “Pa Pa,” passed away peacefully at his home in Leander, Texas, on June 2, 2026, at the age of 90. While his family is deeply saddened by his passing, they are profoundly grateful for the long, full life he lived.

Sam was born on June 14, 1935, in Lampasas, Texas, to John Benjamin and Myrtice Ann Higginbotham. He later attended McCallum High School in Austin, graduating in 1955, before proudly serving in the National Guard.

Known to many as “The Candy Man,” Sam worked alongside his father at Lady Ann Candy Company before eventually taking over the business. Through his dedication, he continued the tradition of packaging and delivering candy to small towns across Texas, building relationships and memories along the way. For his family, those memories were sweetened by favorites like orange slices, cherry sours, peanut butter bars, and fruity Tootsie Rolls—simple treats that became lasting reminders of his life’s work and the joy he shared with others.

In retirement, Sam found joy in life’s simple routines and steady pleasures. He was a familiar face at Whataburger, where he met daily with his “Biscuit Bunch,” sharing stories, laughter, and friendship. Whether he was on his front porch cracking pecans, watching a race, or keeping up with the stock market, Sam embraced each day with quiet contentment. In later years, he also enjoyed being reintroduced to one of his favorite classic shows, The Rifleman. Sam had a lifelong love of racing—especially NASCAR—and rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Astros or the Cowboys.

Later in life, Sam made a public profession of faith on September 7, 2025, and was baptized on October 5, 2025, at Briggs Baptist Church. He found great joy and community in attending Sunday services and Sunday School.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marie (Sears) Higginbotham; his brothers, James B. Higginbotham and Robert F. Higginbotham; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn (Higginbotham) Volkl.

He is survived by his sisters, Sylvia M. Smith and Cynthia Higginbotham Rose; his children, John Samuel Higginbotham, Jr. (Pam), Dennis James Higginbotham (Cindy), and Lisa Lynne Carter (Brian); and his stepson, Darrell Sears (Sonia). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Erin Annice Elrakabawy (Marwan), Melissa Ann Higginbotham, Adam Lee Carter (Adrian), John Benjamin Higginbotham (Lu), Brooke Nicole Cisneros (Gilbert), Alec Shane Carter (Kendyl), Brett Allman Higginbotham (Dora), 13 Great Grandchildren, Jenna, Erik, Abby Lynn, Noah, Raef, Imogene, Penelope, Sienna, Abigail, Amelia, Hudson, Hayden, Emory. Sam also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish his memory.

Services will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 1200 S. Bagdad Road, Leander, Texas, on June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a committal service to follow at Bagdad Cemetery, 400 N. Bagdad Road, Leander, Texas.