Gary L. Higgs, 61


Gary Lee Higgs, 61, of Port Republic, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Higgs was born on Oct. 21, 1947, in Harrisonburg, and was the son of the late Joseph Driver and Clara Virginia Stroop Higgs.

Gary was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War. During his service, Gary achieved the Rank of Specialist 5 and was a Radio Operator. He served from 1967 to 1968 earning an early discharge for serving an extended tour in Vietnam. Gary retired from Wilson Trucking after 36 years in January 2009 and most recently was a dock worker.

On Dec. 3, 1966, he married Judy Ritchie Higgs, who survives.

In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by two daughters, Crystal Lee Higgs of Port Republic, and Holly Lynnette Higgs Swain and husband, Matthew, of Mount Clinton; one sister, Yvonne Smith and husband, Doug, of Bridgewater; one granddaughter, Taylor Lynn Shifflett; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Jay Dee Higgs.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg with the Rev. Ron Wyrick officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the RMH Regional Cancer Center, 100 E. Grace St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Online condolences may be sent to the Higgs family by visiting www.kygers.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.