Lewis "Lew" Gene Higgins, 74, of Port Orange, Florida, passed away on January 7, 2017, at Halifax Health Medical Center, Port Orange.

Born in the small town of Marlinton, Lew was proud to be a native of West Virginia. Lew lived the state motto, "Mountaineers are always free," through his love of travel and adventure, friendliness and desire to help others, enthusiasm for the outdoors and camping, all a reflection of his small-town childhood and close family upbringing.

Lew really fit two full and rich lives into one lifetime.  After proudly serving in the Army, Lew became an air traffic controller in Northern Virginia, a job that became his life-long passion.  Lew raised two kids during this time, Ken and Wendy.  After retiring and moving to Florida, Lew met his wife, Dottie.  Together they raised a step-son, Matt.  Lew was a great father and step-father, always there for his kids. Lew's boundless energy and love of air traffic control led him to teaching at Embry Riddle, a second career from which he retired in 2016.

Lew's pastimes included baseball and football, horseback riding, hunting, and camping.

Lew is survived by his wife, Dottie Higgins; his daughter, Wendy Higgins; his son, Ken Higgins, and his wife Karen; his step-son, Matt Rittweger; and his three grandchildren, Tony Rodriguez, Dan Higgins, and Josh Higgins.

A celebration of Lew's life will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at his church home, Space Coast Baptist Church, at 4 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the church, 223 North Samsula Drive, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 32168.

Arrangements are in the care and trust of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society, Port Orange, Florida.