More detail on this person: Gary Stuart Higgins, 71 passed away with his family by his side on
Saturday, February 4, following a brief illness at Baptist Medical Center. Gary was born in Monroe,
LA to the late Jean and George W. Higgins, Jr. He earned a BS in Management from Embry-Riddle
University in Daytona Beach and later achieved his MBA from Stetson University in Deland, FL. Gary
proudly served his country in the US Army 361st AEC Operational Control in support of 5th Special
Forces SOG in Vietnam. After serving five years in the US Army as an infantry officer, pilot, and
combat aviation commander in Vietnam, he was promoted and assigned to the Commanding General's
staff as Chief of Plans, Development, and Training for a major military installation. He made
Jacksonville his home in 1974 and took advantage of the many wonderful opportunities it brought as
well as enjoying the St. Johns River for recreation. He served as Chief of the Division of Planning
& Research for Sheriff Dale Carson and Jim McMillan for 20 years, and retired from Jacksonville
Sheriff's Office. He continued his passion for leadership training as past Vice-Chair and Chairman
of the Duval County Juvenile Justice Council and the Fourth District Board serving a five-county
metropolitan area of over one million citizens. As founder and Chairman of the Florida Serious
Habitual Offender Secure Care Unit, his concern for the health and future of children and youth in
the community through intervention and prevention was reflected in his work as a Board member of the
Human Services Council, Drug Alcohol Treatment, Full Service Schools, and the Children's
Commission. Gary was a true family man and cherished every moment he could with them. He loved
boating, especially with friends from the Marina at Ortega Landing. He also enjoyed the camaraderie
of the Jaguar Car Club of North Florida and the honor of being a part of the Vietnam Helicopter
Pilots Association. Gary is survived by his wife of 31 years, Debra; sons, Scott Higgins (Mindy) of
Orange Park, FL, and Ryan Higgins (Sandra) of Parker City, IN; brothers, George Higgins (Marilyn) of
Kapolei, HI, and Bruce Higgins of Orange Park, FL; 3 grandchildren Tyler, Haley and Austin; and many
nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, February 10, 2017
at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. A private burial will be held at the Jacksonville National
Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary's name to the United Services Organization
(USO). Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San
Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com (904)737-7171
Published in the Florida Times-Union on Feb. 9, 2017
Burial information: Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL
This information was last updated 02/09/2017
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Date posted on this site: 08/05/2019
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