Oscar James Higginbotham

Oscar James Higginbotham, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. A Biloxi native, Oscar grew up on Fountain Street near Back Bay during the Great Depression and was the son of a bridge tender. His mother (a seafood factory worker and housewife) and younger sister were known to have spoiled him shamelessly. Oscar delivered papers at age 12 and graduated from Biloxi High School at 17 after being voted Most Friendly. A month before his 18th birthday he talked his parents into signing the papers that allowed him to join the United States Navy. After spending time aboard ship in Japan and Hawaii, Oscar met his lifelong love, Floy Mae McAllister, who was renting a room next door to his aunt in Biloxi. The two fell in love and were engaged to be married three weeks after their first date. Oscar and Flo celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary on June 13. Oscar’s 21 year Navy career took him to Florida, Pakistan, California, Washington DC and Spain. After his retirement, he worked as an insurance claims adjuster and lived in Ocean Springs and Vancleave. He and Flo travelled extensively, scheduling timeshare vacations all across Europe, Canada, Mexico and many parts of the US. He delighted in his children and grandchildren and spent most of his time with his family. Oscar was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Joppa Shrine Temple and Tin Lizzie unit. He was a member of St Paul United Methodist Church in Ocean Springs where he sang in the choir for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Vera Clara (Ramsay) Higginbotham; and his sister, Myrta Faye (John) Williams. Besides his wife, Oscar is survived by three children: Chuck Higginbotham, Cindy (Mike) Singleton and Cheryl (Steve) Martino; six grandchildren: Jessica (Lee) Hill, Alyssa (Sam) Taylor, Lia (Caleb) Brasher and Eldon, Ethan and Dyllan Martino; six great-grandchildren: Parker, Ramsey and Ellie Hill and Mac, Drew and Clara Mae Taylor. Visitation will be on Monday, July 14, from 11 am until 1 pm, with a 1 pm church service, all at St. Paul UMC Downtown in Ocean Springs. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery.