Stanley Neil Higgins, age 65, of the Byrd Branch Community of Burnsville, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 22, 2026, following a short illness. Born on July 3, 1960, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, Stanley was the son of his late parents, Arnold Ezekiel Higgins and Ethel Lear Dayton Higgins. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents.
A man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, Stanley loved watching drag racing and taking part in drag racing himself. He also enjoyed classic movies, cooking shows, and spending time outdoors. Whether he was dump trucking locally or traveling across the country hauling freight, he truly enjoyed the work he did and the places it took him. Stanley spent much of his life working as a dedicated truck driver in the hauling and moving freight industry, most recently with Earl Ponder Trucking. He took pride in his work and the life he built through years of hard effort on the road. Stanley was of the Baptist faith and attended First Baptist Church in Burnsville, NC.
He is survived by his former wife, Amelia Diane Higgins of Burnsville, NC; a brother, Dale L. Osborne, and his wife, Laura, of Charleston, S.C.; as well as numerous cousins.
Stanley will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love for the open road, and the joy he found both behind the wheel and at the track.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Yancey Funeral Services in Burnsville, NC. The family will receive friends and loved ones one hour prior to the service for visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rev. Skip Weiford will be officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Byrd Family Cemetery on Byrd Branch Road in Burnsville, NC.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com