Ernest Higginbotham

Ernie was born on January 13, 1942, to the late Ernest Franklin Higginbotham and Margaret Helen Higginbotham. He grew up in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1960.

After high school he was recruited by Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas to play baseball, then a year later he was recruited by Baylor University in Waco to play baseball for them.

Ernie then joined the Marines on August 1, 1962and was stationed in San Diego, California.

During this time, he earned numerous badges and other honors.

Ernie left the Marines on May 13, 1968. His discharge certificate was a testimonial of Honest and Faithful service. He was a Marine for Life!

After leaving the Marines he stayed in Southern California for many years and joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Ernie moved back to Houston, Texas in 1985.  He started a construction company where he resided until he met Kim, and they moved back to Killeen.

They were married on February 14, 2000.

Ernie was a devoted Texas Longhorn fan, Dallas Cowboys fan, loved boating, Elvis Presley and Mickey Gilley.

Ernie was devoted to his family and loved helping and spending time with them.

He had a wonderful sense of humor, a loving heart, and a warm smile.

Ernie was a loyal husband and friend and will be greatly missed by many who consider themselves blessed to have had him in their lives.

Ernie was the best husband, dad, step-father, and Papa anyone could ever hope for.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Helen and Ernest Franklin Higginbotham, his brother, Robert Higginbotham.

He is survived by his wife Kimberly, two sons from a previous marriage, Craig and Eric Higginbotham, step-daughter, Tiffany Bralley, and her husband J.D. Bralley; brother, Donald Higginbotham; grandchildren, Hudson Bralley; Ashlee and Amanda Higginbotham; Kyle Higginbotham; as well as several nieces, Lori, Jennifer, Julie and Tanya; and his beloved cats, Sam and Sissy.