Ralph A. Higginbotham was born on August 12th, 1939 in Macon, Mississippi to the late Commie Tyson and Lona Reed Higginbotham. He went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Leaving Mississippi as a young teen, his father moved the family to Ohio settling in Hartville. Ralph attended Suffield schools and worked for Old King Cole/ Trilogy Plastics, Heimbaugh Dry Wall and Olszeski Properties. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed gardening and going to auctions.

He married Patricia, Née Haswell on July 1st, 1961 and recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Also, he leaves his sons, Scott (Stephanie) and Todd (Judy) Higginbotham as well as his grandchildren, Nicholas (Jordyn), Matthew (Maria), Megan, Todd Jr. and Derrek Higginbotham and great grandson, Greyson Higginbotham and soon to arrive great granddaughter Giana Higginbotham. His brother C.Tyson (Jan) of York, South Carolina and sisters-in-law Ruth Gooding of Uniontown, Miki Higginbotham of Wisconsin, Dorothy and Sally Higginbotham, both of Hartville. In addition to his several nieces, nephews and long time friends. He enjoyed his McDonalds coffee run each morning with his "side kick" Lucky. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Aaron Eugene, Benny Wade, John Kellis and sister Johnnie Dean, and in laws Floyd & Bertha Haswell.

Calling hours are Friday 4-7 PM at Arnold Funeral Home Hartville. Funeral services are Saturday 11:00 AM at East Nimishillen Church of the Brethren with Pastor Matthew Reed and Pastor Marvin Thomas officiating. Final viewing is one hour prior to services in the church (10-11 AM). Final resting place is the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Aultman Woodlawn Compassionate Care Hospice and Palliative Care at 2821 Woodlawn Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44708 or East Nimishillen Church of the Brethren at 2650 Nimishillen Church Rd. Canton, OH 44721. The family also wants to thank the staff at the Compassionate Care Center, the staff at Aultman Palliative Care, and a special thanks to Dr. Jeffery Marsh, Susan Eakin N.P., and Natalie Raber, R.N. and Chaplin Joseph Kampert.