Charlie Brooks Higginbotham, Jr.

Charlie Brooks Higginbotham, Jr., 72, passed away May 6, 2020, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.  Charlie Brooks, as he was affectionately called, was born October 9, 1947, in the Gholson Community of Noxubee County near Shuqualak, the son of the late Charlie Brooks, Sr. and Earnestine Coleman Higginbotham.  He was a 1965 graduate of Noxubee County High School in Macon and briefly attended East Mississippi Junior College in Scooba prior to entering the United States Navy and serving his country for two tours of duty during the Vietnam War.  After returning to Shuqualak from Vietnam, Charlie Brooks went to work learning the skill and trade of brick masonry from Brother Richard Proffitt. The relationship of apprentice and master brick mason went far beyond brick and mortar; it was a lifelong friendship that continued for many years.  In 1978, Charlie Brooks went to work for the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission as a game warden.  Throughout the years and with the support of many of his peers and colleagues, Charlie Brooks was promoted to Supervisor with The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, covering Noxubee, Winston, Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha Counties, a position he held until he retired in 2004. Throughout his law enforcement career, Charlie Brooks continued to work part-time for Brother Proffitt laying brick for countless projects across East Mississippi and West Alabama. After his law enforcement retirement and at the urging of his brick masonry mentor, Charlie Brooks owned and operated Higginbotham Bricklaying, a small brick masonry company that he operated until his health wouldn’t allow it anymore.  He was an avid outdoorsman who thoroughly loved to hunt and fish. He loved to share his love of the outdoors with others.  He was a member of Shuqualak Baptist Church. He was also a member of West Point Masonic Lodge #40 F&AM.  Charlie Brooks was a master story-teller.  Whether it was telling a joke, pulling a harmless prank, or capturing the attention of an audience, Charlie Brooks enjoyed making people smile and laugh.  Through his character and wit, he was often found being the center of attention.  He loved people.  In addition to his parents, Charlie Brooks was preceded in death by his infant brother, Joseph Ronald Higginbotham; and his sister and brother-in-law, Thelma “Lou” Hannah and husband Tom.

Due to current COVID 19 guidelines and for the health concerns of family and friends, a private family graveside service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2020, from Butler Cemetery near Shuqualak with Reverend Don Tew officiating.  Cockrell Funeral Home, Inc. of Macon is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Merl Higginbotham of Shuqualak; daughter, Kendrick Higginbotham Adams and husband, Erik of Mathiston; son, Tyler Higginbotham and wife, Amy of Starkville; seven grandchildren, Katie Rose Ricks and husband, Casey of Starkville, Maridee Moreland Robertson and husband, Stephen of Flowood, Chaffin Elijah Upchurch of Starkville, Sadie Sanders Higginbotham of Starkville, Isaac Holman Adams, William Walton Adams, and Sutton Dane Adams all of Mathiston; two great grandchildren, Anna Tyler and Butler Ricks both of Starkville; two sisters, Carolyn Jones and husband, Junior and Cindy Skipper and husband, Ralph all of Shuqualak; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Brandy, Erik Adams, Chaffin Upchurch, Levi Hailey, Curtis Gandy, Casey Ricks, Stephen Robertson, and Larry Higginbotham.

The family would like to recognize as honorary pallbearers all the current and former employees of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Memorials may be made to Butler Cemetery Fund, C/O Mr. Willis Jones, 991 Johnny Higginbotham Road, Shuqualak, MS 39361.