Burnard Avery Higgins, Jr.

Burnard Avery Higgins, Jr., 92, of Skyland, passed away Monday, August 1, 2016 at Fleshers of Fairview Healthcare Center. A native of Sunburst, NC, he was a son of the late Barnette Avery and Estes West Higgins, Sr. He was also preceded in death by siblings Geneva Rogers, Pearl Bassett, Marie Bradley, Clara Treadway, Bill Higgins and Ronald Higgins. A US Army Veteran, he proudly served his country in World War II. He worked for many years in the warehouse at Gerber. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and a true servant of the Lord, having been a longtime member and Deacon for more than fifty years at Chapel Hill Baptist Church. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 67 years, Ruby Lee Moore Higgins; two daughters, Judy Pack and her husband Robert and Phyllis Gilliam and her husband Ron; three sons, Michael Higgins and his wife Isabel, Jimmy Higgins and his wife Cindy and Tim Higgins and his wife Tammy; one sister, Katherine McLaughlin; two sisters-in-law, Betty Jo Higgins and Martha Jean Higgins, as well as thirteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Willard Pruitt officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery and the family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.