Terry Higdon

Terry Lynn “Gunny” Higdon, 79, of Traskwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born May 23, 1947, in Richmond, California, to Herman J. Higdon and Wanda Roarke Higdon.

Terry proudly served his country as a United States Marine for 20 years. During his military career, he served in the Vietnam War as well as the Six-Day War in Israel before retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. After retiring from the military, Terry earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work and began the next chapter of his career at Birch Tree Communities. He served first as Associate Director and later as Training Director, helping establish the organization and becoming part of its early growth. Birch Tree became something of a family affair, with several of Terry’s own family members working alongside him. Naturally, Terry made sure they were prepared, teaching them self-defense and passing along some of the skills and discipline he had learned throughout his life. He later worked as a drug and alcohol counselor at Oasis and as a Dietary Counselor for the Heart Clinic in Benton.

Those who knew Terry knew there was rarely a dull moment when he was around. He loved to joke, tease, and give people a hard time. In Terry’s world, if he was picking on you, there was a pretty good chance it meant he loved you. He was famous for showing affection with the “Higdon Salute.” Beneath that tough exterior and quick wit was a man with an enormous servant’s heart. Terry genuinely enjoyed taking care of people, helping others, and making sure those around him were okay.

Terry enjoyed a lot of things in life: camping, reading, traveling, his guns, shooting his guns, and martial arts, where he earned his black belt in Taekwondo. He especially loved traveling with his wife of 35 years, Cindy. Together, they took cruises, went scuba diving and snorkeling, and swam with dolphins. Terry loved a good adventure, and some of his best memories were made with Cindy by his side.

More than anything, Terry loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Wright Higdon; his children, Stephanie McKinley, Terry M. Higdon, Rebecca (Kass) Hogue, and Sonja (Josh) Reed; his grandchildren, Ricky Nooner, Patrick (Kailey) Nooner, Tammy Johnson, Andrew Tucker, Sabra Tucker, Austin Paul (Kennedy Goodnight), Carson Reed, and Logan Reed; his great-grandchildren, Charlee Rose Higdon, Shelby Nooner, Genesis Green, Kayden Welch, and Kennedy Arzt; his brother, Phil Higdon; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Jerry Lee Higdon; and his precious granddaughter, Sydney White.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Kim, Carey, and Heather with Hospice Home Care for the compassion and care they gave Terry and his family during his final days. Their kindness helped make a difficult time a little easier.

Terry was a Marine, a protector, a teacher, a jokester, and a good man who made a lasting impression on the people around him. He had a way of making people laugh, teaching them something they needed to know, and looking out for those he cared about. His strength, humor, stories, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught, the memories he made, and the love he gave will remain with his family and friends for years to come.

To honor and celebrate Terry’s life, a Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas.

Knowing Terry, he would never let us have the last word. So, Terry sends his love and salutes you all.