Willard Ray Higgins, age 78 of Milan, TN passed away at home on January 24th, 2026. He was born in Milan on March 15th, 1947. He was the eldest son of Willard D.

and Ava Ray Higgins.

Willard (Sonny to his family) graduated from Milan High School in 1965. He attended UT Martin and then enlisted in the U S Army with fellow classmate, Michael Holmes, on the "Buddy System".  After O.C.S. he served in Vietnam as a 1st Lieutenant.

In 1972, Will met his wife, Betsy, in Key West, Florida. After living in Gainesville for 4 years, they returned to Tennessee to help his dad build a home and to help raise his niece, Mandy. He worked for many construction companies in West TN. As a construction Superintendent, he helped build several schools in the area.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Boving Higgins, a brother Larry Wayne Higgins (Lori) and Brother-in-laws, Eric R Boving (Sue) and Peter A. Boving, sister in laws Sue Akerman and Rose Akerman, nieces Maranda Higgins (Larry Williams); Leslie Higgins (Koehler Anderson), Lauren Higgins Anderson (Quincy); Caroline Boving Fiedler (Brandon). nephews Kevin Mosley, Adam Boving and Adrian Akerman, great Nephew: Jacob Willis (Aaliyah), great nieces: Chelsey Willis Sands (Travis) Malena Fiedler, Alorah Fiedler, Lianna Fiedler & 4 great greats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard D and Ava Ray Higgins, his sister, Gloria Diane Higgins. Will (Sonny) will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, and kindness.

Services for Mr. Higgins will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1 PM at the Milan Senior Center.

Donations can be made to Mildred G. Fields Memorial Library in Milan, TN.

Many thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their loving care, Gibson County EMS and Bodkin Funeral Home.

Bodkin Funeral Home

731-686-3111