Glenn Edward Higgins, 85

Glenn Edward Higgins, 85, of Lakeland, Florida died on February 1, 2021 at Lakeland Regional Health. He was a loving husband, father, G-Pops—a teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many and a friend to all.

Mr. Higgins was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1936 to Carl and Marie Higgins. Glenn accomplished so many things in life. He played 4 years of college baseball as a Mountaineer at the University of West Virginia. He was an active member of the ROTC and Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Those four years at WVU brought Glenn the love of his life, Sandra. They married in 1958, and began a beautiful 62 year journey together. They were blessed with two sons, Michael and Douglas.

After graduation, Mr. Higgins served in the United States Army, as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam as an MP, and retired after 20 years of faithful service. Upon his military retirement, he began a new career as a Senior Military Instructor at Lake Gibson High from 1979 until 1997. During those years, he trained many cadets, as well as coached women’s basketball. He was inducted into the Lake Gibson High School Hall of Fame in 2005.

Later in life, he felt the call of public service and had the honor of serving as a Lakeland City Commissioner from 2002 to 2012. Mr. Higgins was a chairman of the City Planning and Zoning Board, a member of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee and a victim’s advocate with the Police Department.

At an early age, Glenn professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. As such, he sought to live his life in honor for the Lord. He was an active member of Lakes Church for many years. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving family.

Glenn is survived by his devoted wife Sandra; his two sons and their wives, Michael and Vicki, Doug and Lydia: his grandchildren, Hailey, Greg, Alec; and his great-grandchildren Gavin, Chase and Nolan.

A celebration of life service will be held at Lakes Church Sanctuary, Friday, February 12, 2021 at 1 P.M. There will be a visitation beginning at 12 P.M.

Condolences may be sent to the family at Central Florida Funeral Chapel.