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
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 07/12/2025
Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association