Remembering Charlie T. Higgins

Today we learned that Charlie T. Higgins passed away yesterday at his home in Montgomery, Alabama. He was 93 years old and has remained an active part of his community and clubs. He was married to his wife Celia for 64 years when she passed in 2006.

You can’t speak of Easter Seals in Alabama without mentioning the name Charlie Higgins at the same time. Mr. Higgins was named acting President of Easter Seals Alabama in 1973, and in 1974 became President where he served in this position through January of 1986. Mr. Higgins has truly dedicated a lifetime of service to Easter Seals. Starting in the 1956, Mr. Higgins was one of the primary individuals responsible for building the fantastic network of our Easter Seals facilities. The building and expansion of these facilities to serve individuals with disabilities began in Huntsville and ended in Mobile! Charlie Higgins worked tirelessly to raise local matching funds for a federal grant received to develop the Easter Seals facilities as we know them today.

Back in the late 1960’s an idea was developed to create a camp for individuals with disabilities so they too can participate in a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and develop close relationships with peers and counselors. Mr. Higgins, of course, was also an integral part of the development of Camp ASCCA.

We thank and honor Mr. Higgins for his years of commitment to Camp ASCCA and Easter Seals Alabama. He has been a strong supporter, contributor, friend, and leader to all. The staff of Camp has benefited from his mentoring and has often called on him for his experienced opinions. He has remained a constant reminder of the “perfect” dedicated supporter of children and adults with disabilities!

Above: The road leading down to Camp ASCCA is recognized as the “Charles Higgins Trail”.

Charlie Higgins’ obituary can be seen here.