M Wayne Higgins

Wayne Higgins, age 62, of Fairview, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 21st, 2011. Wayne was born on October 19, 1948 in Albany, Georgia to the late Oran L. and Madge Higgins. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Debbie Quick Higgins of Fairview, Texas, their son Shawn Higgins of San Francisco, California, their daughter Christy Higgins Kelso and her husband Buddy and son Jay of Red Oak, Texas, and his brother Jack Higgins of Mansfield, Texas, as well as numerous nephews and a niece.

Wayne was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served our country in combat in Danang, Republic of South Vietnam. He was a member of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing where he was an avionics technician on F-4 Phantom fighter jets. After completing his enlistment, he returned to Little Rock, Arkansas where he worked for various companies. He moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1984 working for Northern Telecom at the time. In 1988 he relocated to Dallas, Texas with Nortel Networks until he retired after 25+ years with them. In recent months, Wayne has been providing consulting services to NCTC in Tennessee.

Wayne and Debbie have a love for Arabian horses, and started BayWood Equestrian Center several years ago. Wayne enjoyed showing horses himself as well as watching family and friends show horses for many years.

Wayne was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and close friend to countless people. His passion for life was evident in all he did. Whether you are a friend, co-worker or family member, Wayne served as a role model for all to follow. While his presence on this earth was cut short, the memories he left here will last forever.

A rosary will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 7:00pm at St. Jude's Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue, Allen, Texas. The funeral will also be held at St. Jude's on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 11:00 am; Fr. Tim Church presiding, with interment to follow at the columbarium. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to either one of the organizations below:

1. Sudden Cardiac Death Association - this is what Wayne died from and it is one of the leading causes of death in the US - http://associationdatabase.com/aws/SCAA/pt/sp/Home_Page

2. JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) - this is a cause that is close to our family - http://www.jdrf.org/