Paul Edward Higdon

Paul Edward Higdon was born on May 12, 1924 in Elkmont, TN to Frank and Ura Higdon. He moved with his family to Cleveland, TN. after the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Paul enlisted in the Army in 1940 and after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, was sent to Papua/ New Guinea to fight in WWII. He fought heroically in the Battle of Roosevelt Ridge. Serious injuries forced Paul to stay in a hospital for nearly a year. During his military career, he was awarded 3 purple hearts. He was very patriotic, as friends and family will attest. He eventually returned to the mountains where he lived every day to the fullest. Paul never met a stranger. His story telling skills made him famous in his part of the mountains. In fact, people would often travel to the Top of the World Community just to hear him tell stories. The fun was guessing which part was fact and which part was fiction. His favorites were about WWII, mountain life, and bear hunting. He loved to throw parties at his barn with his closest friends and listen to live bluegrass music. Few people are privileged enough to experience life the way Paul Higdon did, but through his stories, we enjoyed every adventure. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Ura and Frank Higdon, Spouses, Maggie Haney Higdon, and Irene Hendrix Higdon, Brother, Billy Higdon, and special friend, Dale “Doc�? Blair. Paul is survived by his brothers Don Higdon of Cleveland, and Bobby Higdon of Cleveland and sister, Ruby Hagthery, of Milford, Delaware, a special niece, Vicki Beaty of Charleston, TN., as well as, several nieces and nephews, and many close friends in the Top of the World Community. There will be a celebration of Paul Higdon’s life on Sunday, June 20th in Elkmont, TN. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 20, 2010 at Levi Trentham Cemetery in Elkmont. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Edward Higdon please visit our Sympathy Store.