Bert Edward Higginbotham

Bert Edward Higginbotham, formally of Smiths Grove, KY, passed away on December 15, 2025.  He was born June 13, 1946, in Rhoda, Edmonson County, KY.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward "Edd" Higginbotham (March 8, 1902 - November 5, 1975) and Mae Elmore Higginbotham (October 21, 1912 - October 26, 2001); his sister, Janie Carol Higginbotham Hatler (February 13. 1943 - October 23, 1996); his grandson, Owen Lee Higginbotham (December 20, 2005 - June 29, 2015), and his great-granddaughter, Ella Araya (June 15, 2024 - November 22, 2024).

Bert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sherry Lynn Bardin Higginbotham; children, Bert Lee Higginbotham (Tonya), Samantha Lynn Higginbotham Harrison (Benjamin), granddaughter, Taylor Paige Shannon (Aaron) of Lexington, step-granddaughter, Katherine Lyons (Stephan), step-granddaughter, Lauren Hagan (Abele Araya), and brother-in-law, Buford Hatler of Bowling Green.  

Bert was a 1964 graduate of Park City High School.  He began his employment in Louisville, KY, on May 2, 1968, with the L&N Railroad and retired from CSX in Jacksonville, FL, on February 1, 2000, after 32 years of dedicated service.  During his career, he worked for CSX in multiple locations including Louisville, KY, Jacksonville, FL; Evansville, IN; Houston, TX; and Baltimore, MD.  In his retirement, Bert continued to serve his community, proudly holding positions as City Commissioner and later as Mayor of Smiths Grove, KY.  While serving as Mayor, his most notable achievement was reorganizing the Smiths Grove cemetery records and publishing all records on Find a Grave.  He also gave several years of service as a member of the Smiths Grove Lions Club.  Throughout his life, Bert was a die-hard University of Kentucky Men's Basketball fanatic, never missing a single game.  

Hardy & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements.