FORMER TBC PRESIDENT HERBERT HIGDON DIES

Baptist and Reflector

JACKSON — Herbert R. Higdon, 89, died Aug. 16 in Jackson. He was retired director of missions, Madison-Chester Baptist Association/Crockett County Baptist Association, based in Jackson from 1982-94.

Higdon was president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1997 and a member of the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and board of Union University, Jackson, of which he was an alumnus. Higdon also was a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisiville, Ky., from which he earned a doctor of ministry.

Higdon served as the chairman of the search committee that recommended Lonnie Wilkey as editor of the Baptist and Reflector in 1998.

“Dr. Higdon was a tremendous leader among Tennessee Baptists and I am grateful for the confidence that he and the search committee placed in me,” Wilkey said. “His legacy will continue through the lives he impacted during his years as a pastor and director of missions,” he added.

He served for over 60 years as a Baptist minister, serving at Scenic Hills Baptist Church, Memphis; First Baptist Church, Dyer; and Lockeland Baptist Church, Nashville.

Higdon, who was a member of West Jackson Baptist Church, Jackson, is survived by three daughters, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Mary Lou Higdon, his wife of 64 years, died in 2011.