Edward Phillip Higgins, 85, of Lexington, died Wednesday, March 18, 2009 in Alleghany Regional Hospital.

He was born in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Harry and Clara Smith Higgins.

Mr. Higgins was a member of Ebenezer ARP Church where he was an elder and deacon.

He was retired from Washington & Lee University and also farmed his entire life.

Surviving are his wife, Stella I. Higgins; children, Doris Nicely and companion, Joe; James Edward Higgins and wife, Carmen, of Lexington; Billy Wayne Higgins and wife, Linda, of Buena Vista; Jack W. Higgins and wife, Joyce, of Lexington; and Freddie Higgins and wife, Diane, of Buena Vista; two sisters, Nettie H. Carter of Lexington and Bessie H. Jarvis of Fairfield; a brother, Herbert Higgins of Glasgow; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; five great, great grandchildren; and thirteen foster children.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2009 at Harrison Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jim Giles and Rev. Zeb Carson Williams officiating.

Burial will follow in Ebenezer ARP Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, Richmond Office, 530 E. Main St., Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.