Leo Alton Higgins

   Leo Alton Higgins, LCDR, US Navy Retired, 92, of 138 Pine Street, Hertford, NC, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020, in his home.

   Mr. Higgins was born in Carteret County on July 25, 1927, and was the son of the late Leo L. and Annie Buck Higgins. A retired Lieutenant Commander after serving 24 years in the United States Navy, he was a veteran of both the Vietnam and Korean Wars. Following his military career, he worked as an engineer with WCMS Radio in Norfolk, VA, and later owned and operated Higgins Hardware Store in Virginia Beach, VA. Upon moving to Hertford he became very involved in the community. An active member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, he was a lifetime member of the Hertford Lions Club, had served on numerous statewide and local committees and boards, including the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners, and as Director of the 20/20 Coalition where he was instrumental in facilitating the sale of the 20/20 Building to the Town of Hertford for the Perquimans County Senior Center.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Curtin Higgins, and by sisters, Lorraine Garner and Betty Hargett.

   Surviving are his daughter, Marcia Dickman Sawyer (Douglas) of Hertford; his son, Mike Higgins of Buxton; a sister, Betty Garner of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Dana Lee, Matthew Dickman, Heather Rountree (Keith), Holly Higgins, and Michael Higgins (Amanda); nine great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a special close friend, Zack Leary. He was also blessed with extended family through the recent marriage of Marcia and Douglas.

   A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Oak Grove United Methodist Church, and will be conducted by the Revs. Reggie Ponder and Roger Cope. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, again on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, and all other times at the residence.

   Flowers are welcomed, or memorial contributions may be made to the Hertford Lions Club, in care of Buck Bunch, 208 North Front Street, or to Oak Grove U.M.C., 775 Chapanoke Road, both in Hertford, NC 27944.

   Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.