Former member of the Blue Ridge School Board of Trustees Edgar Turley Higgins, Jr., of Atlanta, Georgia, died on March 18, 2019. He was the father of an alumnus and served on the Board of Trustees from 2002 through 2014 when he was named Trustee Emeritus. He also served as Vice Chair of the Board for two years. During his time on the Board, Blue Ridge School saw the conclusion of renovations to dormitories and the academic building, began the development of the Baron Athletic Complex, and completed the appointment of two headmasters. A talented musician in his own right, Higgins was personally responsible for acquiring a new organ for Gibson Memorial Chapel. The organ is named in memory of Higgins’ late son Edgar T. “Trey” Higgins III ’86.
Board Chair Mitch Rue says, “Turley had an ability to see over the horizon, recognize the right path, and build a consensus to arrive at an effective solution with best interest of Blue Ridge School at heart. He was a reasoned man with a keen sense of the big picture and would not be distracted by obstacles. In addition, Turley had a wonderful, dry sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and the wonderful charm of a Southern gentleman.”
Headmaster Trip Darrin says, “Turley Higgins’ passing is a significant blow to me personally and to Blue Ridge School. Turley served as mentor and friend since the time the Board of Trustees first thought of me as a potential Headmaster. His love for Blue Ridge School ran deep. Turley’s legacy is that of the calm, guiding hand helping the School through several challenges. Turley loved music; his legacy is felt in Gibson Chapel, too. The new organ, played skillfully by Jim Niederberger at every Chapel service, was a gift from Turley and Mary Patton. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Patton and their wonderful family.”
Music was a cornerstone of Higgins’ life. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and later studied at The Juilliard School (Extension) and Westminster Choir College. He volunteered for the Community Concert Association of Asheville, North Carolina, and was a member of The American Guild of Organists, The American Society of Jazz Educators, and The Choral Arts Society, USA. He worked in many capacities for the music division of Yamaha Corporation of America.
