Bro. Rayford Higgs, age 85 of Winnfield, LA, passed away from this life on Saturday January 7, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Born on October 31, 1937 in Winnfield, LA, he was preceded in death by his parents Houston &Irene Boyett Higgs; Sons Tony and Robby Higgs; granddaughter Ericka "McKenzie" Higgs; great-grandson Kason Higgs; Sisters Alpha Brewton and Charlotte Chandler; and brothers Hubern and Charles Higgs.

Bro. Rayford leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to all who knew and loved him that will live forever in our hearts and lives. He was a man of his word first and foremost. He loved his Lord and his family beyond measure. His love and strength was a stronghold for all of his family. His love for the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, or gardening will always be treasured by those who knew and loved him so much. His "famous gumbo" will also forever be remembered by anyone who ever had the pleasure of eating some.

For 50 years he was blessed to preach the Word of God and pastor to many people. He retired from the Winn Parish Sheriff's Office, was a former Police Jury member, and his greatest pride was being a Veteran of the United States Army, having served the country he so dearly loved.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of over 62 years, Dorothy Bates Higgs; his children, Kenny Higgs, Bridgette Bartlett & husband Chase; Grandchildren, Tyler Hayes, Jaron Higgs, Jacob Higgs & wife Haley, Raelynn Bartlett, Anna Claire Bartlett, Kinsley Bartlett; and great granddaughter Adelyn Higgs; sister, Coynell Gresham and husband Paul of Quitman; as well as many special nieces and nephews and great friends that were very dear to his heart.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Southern Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and again on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 9:30 AM until time of services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Southern Funeral Home with Bro. Dick DeBusk, Bro. Steve Bartlett, and Bro. Rayford Chandler officiating.

Internment will follow at Hurricane Creek Baptist Church cemetery, in Dodson.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Stacy Stewart, Wesley Crawford, Holden Higgs, Jaron Higgs, Dewyane Higgs, and Tyler Hayes.