Joseph Lewis Higginbotham III, 64, died peacefully at his home in Greenwood on Sunday, February 6, 2022. He was born June 21, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois to Charlotte Lee Brown and Joseph Higginbotham II.
Joe was known for his quick wit, his generosity and most of all, his love of family. Even when he was having rough days from his cancer treatment, his sense of humor never lapsed. Through his diligence in keeping a record of all the treatments and their effects, his oncologist found that Joe’s medical regime was applicable to other cancer patients. As a past member of Biker’s Against Child Abuse (BACA), his rider name was Beezer for his motorcycle, a restored BSA, Joe was able to help children who had been in abusive home environments. From biker rides, toy drives and courtroom support, the members of BACA helped these children find some normalcy in their world. Joe was generous to others with his money, his time and his woodworking skills. As a master carpenter, Joe did woodworking for Woodco before opening his own business. He did remodeling and cabinetry as well. During the holidays, Joe would randomly give money to those he felt were in need when he saw them in local stores. This gave him great joy to be helpful to others.
Joe loved his family, which was a huge undertaking due to its size. He is survived by his companion, Beth Foley; his children, Jennifer Higginbotham, Maggie Higginbotham, Joey Higginbotham, James Higginbotham, Sarah Higginbotham and Angie Higginbotham; his sisters, Deb Hall, Inga Olson, JoDeane Buren, Delores Locke, Leah Braton and Nina Hill and his brothers, Charles Higginbotham, Jack Travis, Jonas Travis, Bill Travis, Dick Tavis, Terry Travis, Harvey Moore, Ronnie Moore, Frank Moore and Harold Steve Smith. The lights of his life were his grandchildren, Mikaela Higginbotham, Sophie Higginbotham, Nate Leffingwell, Cassie Leffingwell, John Paul Leffingwell, Millie Higginbotham, Darcie Higginbotham, Bonnie Johnson, Inarah Higginbotham, Adelaide Higginbotham, Willow Higginbotham and Ember Ball. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Cindy Higginbotham.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held 12:30 p.m., Sunday, February 20 at the Fort Smith Elks Lodge, 5504 Massard Road in Fort Smith. Cremation is under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe “Beezer”’s honor to Bikers Against Child Abuse River Valley Chapter, P.O. Box 180955, Fort Smith, AR 72918 or online at arkansas.bacaworld.org.