Mike Higginbotham

A Private Family Graveside service for Mike Higginbotham, 68, of Grand Saline, will be held at Sand Flat Cemetery, with Bro. Freddy Burdon officiating, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home.

Chester Michael “Mike” Higginbotham passed away March 8, 2026, in a Tyler hospital. He was born January 31, 1958, in Grand Saline to Chester Ray and Mary Ruth Null Higginbotham. Mike was a lifelong resident of Grand Saline.

He married Teresa Thompson on November 5, 1979, and spent most of his working life in the oil field. Mike enjoyed farming, the outdoors, and was an avid pool player. For many years he was known around the area as the “Watermelon Man” for selling watermelons each summer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Tommy Ray Higginbotham and Danny Bob Higginbotham; and one sister, Sarah Higginbotham.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Teresa Higginbotham of Grand Saline; mother-in-law, Norma Jean Thompson; three nieces, Michelle Whitaker of Grand Saline, Tina Shafer of Whitesboro, and Danica Higginbotham of Grand Saline; brother-in-law, Virgil Wayne Thompson and June of Jewett; sister-in-law, Cheryl Thompson of Fruitvale; and numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Corey Thompson, Jeremy Thompson, Brandon Loganbaugh, Wayne Whitaker, Willie Parker, and Jordan Smith.