Crill Higgins

Crill E. Higgins, 77, a life long resident of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the family residence. For 43 years Crill filled the position of Band Director for both Bradley County and Cleveland City Schools as well as North Whitfield Middle School in Georgia. For several years he was Choir Director at First Baptist Church and Broad Street United Methodist Church. He was actively involved in many local civic events as well as representing the state of Tennessee at the Orange Bowl half-time show in 1980 and at the Bicentennial in Washington D.C. Crill inspired and encouraged not only the young band members he taught but everyone he met by his kindness, openness and character. He was a life long learner even when he was unable to see the words on the page. His philosophy was: live simply, speak kindness, give selflessly and love deeply. He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, grandfather, friend, church member and nature lover. Survivors include his wife of over 53 years, Joyce Ellis Higgins of Cleveland; four children and spouses: Timothy Higgins of Cleveland, David and Susie Higgins of Signal Mountain, Sara Beth and Jeff Ledford of Avon Grove, PA and Mary Joyce Higgins of Cleveland; seven grandchildren: Jessica Wright, Kendall Wright, Matthew Higgins, Daniel Higgins, Jacob Higgins, Savanna Ledford and Natalie Ledford. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2008 at the Broad Street United Methodist Church with Pastor Andy Ferguson and Pastor Debbie Stokes officiating. His family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2008 at the church prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church Organ Fund, 155 Central Avenue, Cleveland, Tennessee 37311. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Higgins family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com. Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.