Anthony "Tony" Burnette Higgins

Anthony “Tony” Higgins, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on March 31, 2021 at the age of 69.

Tony was a 1970 graduate of Nebo High School. Tony worked alongside his father, Red Higgins, in the family business, Higgins Dairy, in Nebo, North Carolina until he went to work for the City of Asheville. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Annis Higgins, two children, Matthew and Melanie Higgins, and by the love of his life, his wonderful and devoted wife, Frances Higgins.

He is survived by four children Candice Willis and her husband Thomas of Kannapolis, North Carolina; Jason Higgins and his wife Becky of Marion, North Carolina; Lorey Taylor and her husband Phillip of Asheville, North Carolina; and Mandy Higgins of Lawrenceville, Georgia; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; three aunts, Wanda Melton, Ruth Melton, and Wiloree Epley, all of Asheville, North Carolina; and cousin, Veheda Fuller of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. Tony leaves behind his best friend, Jerry Harper, who was always up for an adventure. In the last months of his life, Tony was blessed to have long-time family friend, Nichole Wells, assisting in caring for him. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Tailored Home Care and the John F. Keever Solace Center for their wonderful care and dedication to Tony during his final days.

Tony will be honored in a graveside service at McDowell Memorial Park in Marion, North Carolina on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Western North Carolina Nature Center in honor of his grandchildren, Olivia Quinn Taylor, Merritt Taylor, and Emily Willis.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.