Shelby Gene Higginbotham was born June 1, 1952, and departed this life Sunday, December 8, 2024, reaching the age of 72 years. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by friends and family.  He was the son of the late James and Nancy (Corder) Higginbotham.

Gene is survived by one daughter, Jeannie (Ronald) Sexton; two grandchildren, Charity (Rhett) Ramsey and Samantha (Jerret) Sexton; and three great-grandchildren, Oakley, Truett, and Alexandria.  He is also survived by two sisters, Sandra Jo Gregory and Shirley (Sam) Shelton, and one brother-in-law, Roger Dobbs.  Gene is also survived by his loving companion, Nancy Packer.  Todd Winchester, his former stepson, along with his children Bethany and Darren, also survive along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Sparky, his best buddy, survives and will greatly miss Gene.

In addition to his parents, James and Nancy, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Sue Dobbs and Sylvia Hicks; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Hicks and Jerry Gregory; and one niece, Laura Dobbs.

Growing up being the only boy with four sisters, Gene was often the ringleader of their adventures.  They spent many days playing outside in the river, fields, or woods. One adventure consisted of convincing three of his sisters to ride the family mule with him-all at the same time.  That adventure did not end well for any of them when the mule headed for the barn at a high rate of speed.

The love of the outdoors never faded for Gene as he was an avid outdoorsman his entire life.  He liked nothing better than being in the woods whether hunting, riding, or just driving around looking at leaves. He also enjoyed being on the water floating down a creek, swimming in the lake, or fishing with friends and family.  Gene and his friends took many fishing trips to various lakes out of state and one memorable hunting trip to Colorado.  Those fishing trips may or may not have produced some record-breaking fish that ended up being filleted before anyone could measure them.

Gene had grown up living in Parmleysville and later moved to the area at his cabin in Lonesome.  He loved being out in the woods and enjoyed it when family and friends would come to camp, cook-out, or just visit with him. His granddaughters delighted in going with Poppie to Lonesome to camp, float down the river, fish, or ride the four-wheeler.  The girls wanted to go because they knew Poppie would let them do all the things their mom would not.

When Gene had to leave the woods or lake to work, he still remained outdoors.  For many years he operated his own construction business in Wayne County.  Many homes around the lake area were excavated by Higginbotham Contracting.  His daughter has often been told that he was one of the best heavy equipment operators around.

Gene was saved many years ago.  In his final days, he let his family know that he was at peace and ready to see Jesus.  Please don't mourn our loss but rejoice that he is no longer struggling.

Gene was a lifelong benefactor for St. Jude's and Shriners Children's Hospital.  Expressions of sympathy can be made as donations to either.

Pall Bearers include Frank Frogge, Andrew Frogge, Allen Gregory, Jamie Hicks, Tim Frost, Prentice Young, William Hale, Bobby Hurt, & Jack Bell; and Honorary Pall Bearers, Truett Ramsey, Oakley Gregory, Rhett Ramsey, Jerret Sexton, Ronald Sexton, Darren Winchester, & Todd Winchester.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, between 5 pm – 8 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 1 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.