Paul Truett Higdon

Paul Truett Higdon, 94, of Biloxi, died Tuesday, August 27, 2013 in Biloxi.
Mr. Higdon, a native of Jay, Florida was born on June 23, 1919. He was the youngest of nine brothers and two sisters, all of whom preceded him in death. He attended Campbellsville Baptist Junior College before joining the U.S. Navy in July 1941, serving to November 1945. During the war he served in a support role with aviation squadrons before being stationed on the Island of Ulithi in the Pacific. Upon discharge from the Navy he returned to Campbellsville, where he met his beautiful wife, Maxine. Upon completing studies there, he then attended Western Kentucky State College majoring in Mathematics and Chemistry.
After graduation, Mr. Higdon worked for the Department of Defense 34 years at Keesler Air Force Base, retiring in 1983 as Section Chief for the 3380th Technical Training Group. Together with his service in the U.S. Navy, he completed 38 years of Federal employment. His achievements in support of technical training began in 1949. He served in 15 separate job positions, including senior instructor of for the ground electronics department technical course, branch training specialist, curricula unit chief, and training development specialist. During his tenure he was instrumental in reorganization of the communication systems and avionic navigation systems branches of the 3380th TTG. His assistance covered identifying facilities, training and career development, personnel needs, establishing equipment and supply accounts, developing manpower authorization needs and maintenance of high quality training for the students.
Mr. Higdon was a member of First Baptist Church, Biloxi from 1951 until his death, serving as Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent and numerous other committees during that time period. He was named a Lifetime Deacon in 1993.
Survivors include Maxine, his wife of 63 years; two sons, Michael (Megan), of Thompsons Station, TN, and David (Kacey), of Ocean Springs, MS; four grandchildren, Michael, Jennifer, Zachary, and Caitlin; and three great-grandchildren.
Paul Higdon enjoyed life and loved people, always willing to help friends and strangers alike. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and camping the U. S., having visited 40 states. His favorite hobbies included fishing, hunting and gardening.
Friends are invited to visit from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 30, 2013 at the First Baptist Church of Biloxi, where friends may visit one hour prior the service. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Gulfport.