Robert Lee Higgins

Robert Lee Higgins, age 90, formerly of Oak Ridge, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3, at Shannondale Health Care Center in Knoxville.

Bob was born in Charlestown, Mass., on Aug. 20, 1922, to the late Westra Hutchinson and Mae Orr Higgins.

He completed his secondary education at Boston Public Latin School. Bob attended New York University in New York City and was recruited to work in Oak Ridge during World War II, where he served in the Special Engineers Detachment.

While in Oak Ridge, he met his wife of 65 years, Jane. He was employed by Union Carbide/Martin Marietta for 49 years. Bob was a charter member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he was involved in many ministries. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed genealogy, computers, photography, boating, golfing, fishing, and flying. He was a licensed pilot and was a member of The Flying 64th, EAA, and AOPA. He was a former member of the Friendship Force, Oak Ridge 43 Club, Silver Tops, and Buckingham Community Association.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife Jane Haywood Higgins, his brother Jack Higgins, and his son-in-law Ronnie Bright.

Bob is survived by his son Alan Westra Higgins (Sara Morrison) of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Mae Higgins-Bright of Knoxville; granddaughter Hailey Bright of Los Angeles, Calif.; grandson Devin Bright of Knoxville, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Oak Ridge with the Rev. Craig Kallio officiating. It will be followed by the interment in the church memory garden. A reception will follow in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 212 N. Tulane Ave. Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

The family would like to thank the staff of Shannondale Health Care Center for their constant care and devotion.