Billy Joe Higginbotham

Billy Joe Higginbotham, of Ardmore, was born November 4, 1937, in Dexter, NM, to the late Cecil Browning & Racheal Virginia (Brooks) Higginbotham. He passed from this life on Monday, August 21, 2023, in Sulphur, at the age of 85.

At the age of five years old, Billy Joe and his family moved from New Mexico to Ardmore. After attending school in Dickson, he joined the United States Navy and devoted eight years of service to our country. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, Billy Joe returned home to Ardmore where he spent many years working as machine tool inspector for the Stromberg Carlson Corporation in Gene Autry. After Stromberg Carlson closed, he then went to work as a night support manager at the Ardmore Walmart, until his retirement in 2007.

Billy Joe was a very active man. Even in failing health, he continued to be on the go at all times. He enjoyed going on daily walks and tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. He was an avid fan of classic cars and in younger years enjoyed playing and coaching coed softball. Being the artistic individual he was, he spent countless hours doing intricate drawings, as well as doing floral designs. One of his most favorite pass times was reading and studying his Bible.

Those left to cherish his memory include his three daughters, Jimi Jo Rude of Wylie, TX, Kelly Wages of Mill Creek, OK, and Caitlin Valet & husband Jay of Mansville, OK; one son, Michael Anthony Higginbotham of Ardmore; seven grandchildren, Heather Goodin and Tyler Rude, both of Wylie, TX, Ian England and Rennie England, both of Davis, Zachary Higginbotham of Ardmore, Sara Lena Warner of Springer, and MacKenzie Sloan of Oklahoma City; eight great-grandchildren; as well as one brother, Tony Higginbotham of Ardmore.

In addition to his parents, Billy Jo was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Higginbotham in Dec 2020; wife Lena Higginbotham in Mar of 1990; one daughter Billie Eugina McLaughlin in Feb 2010; as well as four siblings, Ruby Lancaster, Milton Higginbotham, Shirley Keeton, and Edna Day.

Cremation services were entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Davis.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.