Thomas Melvin Higginbotham Jr. was born March 8, 1928 in Callahan, FL. and passed away March 13, 2011. He worked in the Supply Dept., NAS JAX for 38 years. He was a Master Mason for more than 57 years, receiving his degree in Oct of 1953. He served the Lord as a Baptist pastor for many years including Duval Station Baptist Church which he started as a mission with one family, and made numerous domestic missionary trips. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Viola W. Higginbotham, his son Edwin Higginbotham and wife Nancy, grandson Jesse Carroll, several nieces and nephews and many loving and caring friends. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 17th, 2011 at Lake Shore Baptist Church, 2363 Blanding Blvd. The family will receive friends this evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd. In lieu of flowers, family request that donations be made to the Lake Shore Baptist Church for the Annie Armstrong Easter offering for North American Missions.