Barbourville, Ky. – Fred Thomas Higgins, 80, of Gray, passed away at home, Sunday, October 22, 2023. Mr. Higgins led a rich and full life. He left Kentucky as a young man, making a life for himself and his family in Texas. He longed to one day settle back in Kentucky and he did make this dream come true. After relocating back to Gray, Kentucky, Fred opened and operated a successful excativating business which he ran for many years.
In his off-time, Fred was passionate about his many hobbies. He liked good food. He learned the nuances of barbecuing and smoking meat. His great meals often included bountiful and beautiful vegetables, which he proudly cultivated in his own garden. Fred enjoyed hunting and fishing and he loved collecting and restoring classic cars. Most of all, however, Fred Thomas Higgins, enjoyed spending time with his family, his extended family and his friends, all of whom, he loved dearly.
Fred Thomas Higgins is survived by two daughters: Brenda Titran and Tammy Check (Steve); by one son: Freddie Higgins; by four sisters: Connie Herring (Bill), Helen Sullivan (Don), Janet Smith (Bill), and Deborah Roser; by five beloved grandchildren: Madison Check, Steven Check, Trevor Check, Brittany Knudson (Joshua), and Samantha Lavoie (Arthur) and by two precious great grandchildren: Christopher (Vinny) Lavoie and Arthur Lavoie, Jr.
Fred Thomas Higgins was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lucy Bullock Higgins and Ramon Higgins; by one brother, John Raymond “Buddy” Higgins and by one sister, Sandra Blevins.
Services for Fred Thomas Higgins will be Saturday, October 28, 2023 commencing with a visitation at Hopper Funeral Home, beginning at 11:00 AM, Saturday, until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Pastor Mike Floyd will officiate. Interment will follow in the Keck Cemetery, Gray, Kentucky. The family has chosen as Casket Bearers: Lester Turner, Russel Clouse, Jessie Turner, Freddie Higgins, Jr., and Arlis Elliott. Honary Casket Bearers are Steve Check and Roger Rule.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Fred Thomas Higgins.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Fred Thomas Higgins.
