William Joseph “Joe” Higgins, Jr. was born May 2, 1950 in Washington, DC and passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. He was the son of the late William J. Higgins and Catherine Theresa Haag Higgins.
Joe grew up in the Washington, DC and Prince George's County, Maryland areas. Kent Island, Maryland is where he chose to make home and raise his three beloved daughters. He loved the Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay of Maryland. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He passed that passion down to his grandchildren. There was never a bad day in the woods or on the water with one of his grands. Joe retired as an over the road Trucker. He recently made the move to South Carolina to be closer to his grandchildren and enjoy with them all the things they loved together. He held the title of National Champion Driver for skill and safety from the American Trucking Association with several state titles through the years. He loved 18-wheelers, old trucks and hot rod cars. Later in life, Joe had a very close relationship with a 12-step program. Besides being a father and grandfather, and all the achievements he received in his trucking years, he was most proud of his journey through recovery and would have celebrated 25 years sober in just a few short weeks following his passing.
Joe is survived by his daughters, Kellie Higgins of Lexington, SC, Shellie Tucker (Nelson) of Lexington, SC; nine grandchildren, Autumn Moody (Matt), Franklin Dodd IV, Jimmy Reed, Zack Reed, Jennifer McDonald (Walker), Harmony Tucker, Quinten Dodd, Jonathan Tucker and Joie Tucker; three great grandchildren, Gavin Moody; Eliza Moody and Jamison Moody; bonus grandchildren, Devin Smith, Tyler Rivera, Peyton Prator, Kimberlee Wright, Natalie Warren, Trevor Hiltz and Will Stack; his brother, Kevin Higgins of College Park, MD; his sisters, Mary Ann Beaumier (Robert) of Adelphi, MD and Kathy Dearstine (Ronald) of College Park, MD along with nieces and nephews that he adored, Jim, Will, George, Katie and Sarah DeGennaro, Kevin, Brian and Jack Dearstine. Joe was preceded in death by his baby girl, Jennifer Higgins; his sister, Patricia Higgins and also both his parents.
A small celebration honoring Joe’s life will be held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, February 28, 2021, at his home. In the coming weeks, a celebration will be held on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Details will follow.
In lieu of flowers, his daughters have requested that memorial contributions be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Joe had a passion for putting a smile on a sick child's face and donated often to both these causes.
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