Milton Bradley Higgins, III

Milton Bradley Higgins, III, of Burnsville, a larger–than–life man, passed from his earthly home on Thursday, June 24, 2021.

A land-surveyor by trade for over 35 years, Milton walked thousands of miles over the ridgelines and hollers of the Appalachian Mountains that he loved and called home. He knew the names of every tree and flower that grew.

Milton was an accomplished actor as well as a gifted entertainer, comedian, and storyteller. He acted in numerous plays in western North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. He was a dedicated member of the Burnsville Little Theater. He performed at the Parkway Playhouse, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, and in a one–man show titled “The Prince of Dark Corners” which was filmed and continues to be featured on PBS. In particular, he will always be remembered for his performances in “Look Homeward Angel,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Dearly Departed,” and dearest to his heart, “The Raindrop Waltz” in which he performed alongside Elizabeth Westall.

Milton lived his life fully. He loved more than anything to be outdoors: riding his old jeeps and four–wheelers, fishing the rivers, and camping with his family and friends.

Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Milton (Bub) Jr. and Evelyn Higgins; his paternal grandparents, Milton Sr. and Pearle Higgins; his maternal grandparents, Rev. Cecil and Hazel Higgins; and his special nephew, Shawn Duncan, whom he thought of as his son.

He is survived by his wife, high–school sweetheart, and love of his life, Linda; his daughter, Charity Higgins Sutphin and her husband Will of King, NC; his son, Tyler Higgins and fiancé Sarah Westhusing of Burnsville; his five grandchildren, whom he adored and who loved their “Papa”: Millie Jo and Theodore Kephart Higgins, Charlie Hoston, Margie Pearl, and Samuel Floyd Sutphin; his sisters, Andrea Moore and husband Jack of Celo, and Audrey Higgins of Surf City, NC; and his surrogate mother of many years, Mrs. Elizabeth Westall of Burnsville. He also leaves behind several cousins, many nieces and nephews, and countless others who saw him as “Uncle Milton.” His friend’s past and present are among too many to count, but he loved them all and never met a stranger.

A friend to all, cheerful in all weathers, and always quick with a joke, Milton valued love, laughter, and friendship above all worldly wealth. He will be missed and remembered forever after. Thanks for the memories.

A celebration of Milton’s life will be held in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home on Saturday, July 31st at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends and loved ones after the service.

Memorial donations can be made to Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina, the Yancey County Public Library, or Yancey County Feed–A–Child.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Higgins family.

To send an online condolence please visit:  www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com