Jerry Paul Higgins

Sherman- On September 30, 2013 just before 4:00 AM, Jerry Paul Higgins was awarded his final contract. He entered the gates of heaven after spending the night in the arms of his loving family.

Jerry Paul was born on November 2, 1938 to Paul and Opal (Orr) Higgins in Sherman. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1957 and served two years in the United States Army. He married Cora Lou Whitley in 1974 and together, they founded Jerry Paul Higgins Construction. He was also active in the cattle business and enjoyed great success in both ventures.

Jerry Paul lived life at full speed. As a young man he was convinced that he was without doubt the best skater in Grayson County and later in life, he knew he was without peer in off-road jeeping. He never saw a hill he couldn't climb or a mountain pass that was too narrow. However, he will be best remembered for his generosity and his willingness to give of his time, energy, and resources. He had many charities that he supported, friends that he helped and organizations that he would assist. For many years he enjoyed being a part of the "Kookin Krew", a group of dear friends that would volunteer to cook for events as varied as the Reba Concerts to church picnics. He never turned down a request for assistance.

Jerry Paul leaves behind a host of friends who will remember his passion for life, his honesty, integrity, and the knowledge that he was always there, no matter the time or the size of the need.

He is survived by his wife, Cora Lou of the home; two sons and their wives, Don Charles Whitley and wife Lisa, and Rodney Whitley and wife Jodelle; four grandchildren, Heather Beaver and husband Nelson, Ryan Emrick, Luke Whitley, and Jordan Whitley; two sisters, Sue Dorsey and Linda Robards; as well other extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 3 at Western Heights Church of Christ. Joe Ed Furr will officiate. Burial will follow at West Hill Cemetery with Larry Cruise, Larry Bench, Nelson Beaver, Ferrell Carroll, Horace Groff, and Ryan Emrick serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Ferguson, Charlie Fleming, Johnny Waltrip, and Billy Don Douglas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County at 505 W. Center, Sherman TX 75090 or online at homehospice.org, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday October 2 at Waldo Funeral Home. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

Jerry Paul fought a good fight and will be missed by his family, employees, and friends.