Joseph Sterling Higginbotham sold furniture for the family business in South DeKalb County, where customers encouraged him to put his civic interest to work for the state.
In the mid-1960s, the Republican was elected to the House of Representatives at a time when Democrats held sway. Mr. Higginbotham, however, courted friends on both sides of the aisle and even befriended Gov. Lester Maddox, the late segregationist.
"He loved politics and he was a good politician," said N.A. Higginbotham, an ex-wife from McDonough. "He would talk to a telephone pole about politics if it was interested in talking to him, and I don't mean that in a bad way. He was very conservative and he wanted to set things straight, do what's right for the community."
Higginbotham refused treatment when he was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago. He died from complications of the disease Sunday at his home in North Fort Myers, Fla. He was 80. Funeral arrangements are pending; Anderson-Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services of Fort Myers is in charge of arrangements.
An Atlanta native, Mr. Higginbotham graduated from Gordon Military College and served in Korea as an Army Specialist 3rd Class. He was a Marine, too.
According to the Georgia Official and Statistical Register, he served in the state House from 1966 to 1970 as the representative for District No. 119. From 1971 to 1972, he represented District 43 in the state Senate.
For two years, he was vice-chairman of the state Republican Party of Georgia and attended the 1968 National Republican Convention as a delegate.
Higginbotham Furniture, a popular business on Decatur's Candler Road, was founded by Sterling Higginbotham, the politician's late father. The son worked for 50 years as the store's buyer, seller and interior decorator.
"He would go out to people's homes and decorate," said Cecelia Higginbotham, his wife of 25 years. "He had a good sense of color and style and was very involved in that store, which sold furniture, carpet and appliances."
Said his former wife: "To be honest, he could do most anything. He was an excellent decorator and was a good photographer. He photographed weddings and things for a while."
Mr. Higginbotham had lived in North Fort Myers the past 10 years. He enjoyed the water, especially boating, and golf.
Additional survivors include daughters, Debi O'hara of Ravena, N.Y.; Cindi Behrmann of Covington; Heather Dillard and Stephanie Ising, both of McDonough; a son, Jimmy Higginbotham of Jonesboro; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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