Mr. John David "J.D. Higginbotham Sr.

February 28, 1926 - December 5, 2020

Higginbotham – John David “J.D.” Higginbotham, Sr. age 94, a lifelong resident of Glen St. Mary, Florida passed away on December 5, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside in Jacksonville, FL. He was born in Glen St. Mary, Florida on February 28, 1926 to the late Elijah Higginbotham, Sr. and Nancy Pierce Higginbotham. At a young age, J.D. became a farmer. He was truly passionate about working with animals and the land that God had given him. After attending school, J.D. joined the United States Navy on July 20, 1944 and proudly served our country during World War II. A few years after being honorably discharged from the military, J.D. met the love of his life, Mamie Staier. They were happily married on October 17, 1948 and enjoyed 64 happy years of marriage. J.D. was a hard-working man who provided his family. He dedicated 30 years as a Technician in the boiler room at Northeast Florida State Hospital and then raised chickens for Cargill for another 23 years. Most days, J.D. could be found on his tractor, plowing, and tending to his land, but occasionally he would go fishing. J.D. will always be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather who loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Elijah Higginbotham, Jr.; sisters, Pearl Harvey and Daisy Davis; son, John David Higginbotham, Jr.; and his son-in-law, Thad Terry Reynolds. J.D. is survived by his loving children, Sherilyn Reynolds, Ricky Alan (Lee) Higginbotham, and daughter-in-law, Kay Higginbotham all of Glen St. Mary, FL; grandchildren, Deedra (Ronny) Dinkins, Becky (Jamie) Raulerson, John David (Virginia) Higginbotham, III, Bryan (Jenna) Higginbotham, and Richard Higginbotham, Jr.; 13 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. A Celebration of J.D.’s life will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11:00 am at Raiford Road Church with Pastor John A. Raulerson officiating. Interment will follow at Manntown Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 10, 2020 an hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063, 904-259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.