Jason Higgins

Jason Michael Higgins, 48, of Forest City, went home to be with the Lord July 28, 2026 after a brief illness. Born December 10, 1977, he was the son of the late Jackie and Judy Horner Higgins. He was a 1997 graduate of RS Central High School. After high school, Jason attended and graduated from Isothermal Community College. In 1988, at the age of 10, Jason was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor. At the age of 11, he suffered a stroke. This left Jason physically disabled and wheelchair bound. Despite all of this, Jason's unwavering faith and sense of humor allowed him to live his best life possible. He truly exuded a joy that could only be God-given.

Jason loved people and those around him. He could often be found at Owls games, a high school sports event supporting his nieces and nephews, family gatherings, and on Sunday mornings, the front row of Second Baptist Church. Jason taught us that our limitations are only in our minds. He taught us that if we approach life with love, faith, and a sense of humor, we can get through anything. He taught us to see the joy, the good, and the light in this world.

Jason was predeceased by his parents, and brother Buddy Higgins.

He is survived by his sister, Sherry Curtis and husband Gary, his aunt Frances Walker, uncles and aunts Bobby and Gaye Higgins, and Wayne and Pat Higgins, as well as nieces and nephews Autumn Curtis, CJ Curtis, Isaiah Hunt, and Bella Bridges. He is also survived by his precious Beagle, Lady. Because of Jason’s disdain for “dressing up” and his love for football, we are asking anyone who would like to do so to feel free to wear their favorite team shirt to the funeral in memory of him. A special thank you to his nurse Teri Jackson, who has helped care for him, as well as the hospice team that served him and his family.

The funeral service will be held at 3:30 pm on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton with the Reverend Dr. Keith Stephenson and Reverend Brandon Wood officiating.  Interment will follow in the Cool Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Sanctuary from 2 until 3:15 prior to the service. 

Memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church, 191 Green Street, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139 or Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements, and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.