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Andrews lost a “hometown boy” on July 13, and the grief was felt throughout the valley.
Dick Higdon was a staple around town from the morning meeting with friends at Hardee’s to the lunch crew at Burger Basket. He was always the main attraction, with an outgoing personality and wonderful smile that drew people in like a magnet.
One time, my brother-in-law worked for Higdon Paving one summer, and he taught me how to drive one of the dump trucks. I was in the 11th grade, and I loved to drive a straight shift. So, several times a week in
the evening, after the crew came in and left, I would practice driving the dump truck.
I finally got to where I could really drive it well around in the parking lot. I could barely see out of the windshield, and I would have to run my arm through the steering wheel to reach one gear, while changing gears with the other.
Dick and his father, Charles Higdon thought that was so funny that I wanted to learn how to drive the old dump truck. Dick laughed and told me that one day he may need me to drive that dump truck and being a teenager I was excited that he had faith in me.
When I was a little girl, I thought Dick and his brothers were cowboys, because I only saw them on the Wagon Train with their horses, cowboy hats and Western attire. Even back then he had that smile that lit up everyone around him. He just made you happy.
During high school, Dick was a member of the Future Farmers of America all four years. He also entered the agricultural contests all four years. During his senior year, he was on the annual staff and was named a Senior Superlative. He graduated from high school in 1957 and went to work with his father. Years later, he became president of Higdon Construction and was a co-owner with his brother, David.
Dick married the love of his life, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Puett, in May 1962. They were the perfect couple, and their marriage spanned 62 years. Two sons were born, John and Jim.
I guess everyone who knew Dick Higdon remembers a story or two about him, as he had so many friends in the area. He was just a likable person who could talk to people on any level. He was kind and considerate, and never missed an opportunity to tell you a funny story.
The Higdon family has
always been an integral part of the Town of Andrews. They have been in business for more than 60 years, and the next generation comes from the same stock that will continue the work ethics of Charles and Ruth Higdon.
When I would see Dick out in Mrs. Nicholson’s field working with his cows over the years, I still thought of him as a “cowboy.” So, in the midst of our sorrow, remember the saying, “Old cowboys never die, they just ride on to another trail.”
Kandy Barnard is a columnist for the Cherokee Scout. To talk about the Andrews Valley, call her at 828-361-3268 or email kandybarnard@gmail.com.