Obituaries

Charles Owen Higgins age 82, of Whitwell, Tennessee, entered into Glory on Monday, January 05, 2026, with his loving family at his side. Born on October 01, 1943, in the Mt. Olive community of Whitwell Mountain to Herbert and Essie Higgins, his greatest pride came from raising four children with his loving, cherished wife of 55 years, Louise, and his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-granddaughter whom he loved "better than a hog loves slop."

He was a Godly man who loved bluegrass and old-time music. He was a great musician and was known to many as the "human metronome" because of his strong and solid guitar rhythm. He praised and worshipped his Lord and Savior through music and song and was a choir leader for many years.

Charles was a retired ironworker and boilermaker from Ironworkers Local 704 and Chattanooga Boiler and Tank. He was also a construction contractor through the years. He loved working in his garden and apple trees and sharing his Sequatchie Cove heritage; which was also his most favorite place.

Charles was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Don Higgins; sister, Kathleen Floyd.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Louise Higgins; children, Loria (Gary) Bragg, Eva (Donald) Patterson, Tim (Audria) Higgins, Frank Higgins (Cindy Woods); Grandchildren, Owen (Big Head) Bragg, Maxwell (Max) Higgins Jones, Mackenzie-Kendy (Travis) Hullender, Cheyenne (Boots) Higgins, Tristin-Doodlebug (Ben) Broughton, Charity (Chris) Keys, Nathan (Pookie) Bragg; special grandson Samuel Miller; great-granddaughter, Charli Hullender; sister in law, Emma Higgins; lifelong friend Bob Townsend; several nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. He never met a stranger, loved everyone, and they loved him. He was a very special man and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CST in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Kyle Floyd and Pastor Jerry Basham officiating. Burial will follow in Higgins Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Hwy 28, Whitwell, TN. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 3pm to 9pm, Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 10am to 9pm and Friday, January 9, 2026 from 11am to 1pm.