Charles Royden Higgins, Jr.

April 21, 2025

CHARLOTTE - Charles Royden Higgins, Jr., of Charlotte, NC died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 77.  Royden was born on August 30, 1947 in Greenville, South Carolina.  He was the son of the late Charles Royden Higgins, Sr. and Nellie Louise Ramsey, and the grandson of the late Harry Royden Higgins and Lou Ella Carey, and the late William Barron Ramsey and Ora Belle Hutchins.  Royden attended Myers Park High School (MPHS), where he played first chair French horn with the All-State Orchestra in Boone. During the All-State Orchestra trip, he met MPHS violinist Diane Cochrane Ward, and they became high school sweethearts.  After high school, Royden earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wake Forest University in 1971.  On June 5, 1971, Royden and Diane were married, and they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in 2024.

Royden began his career as an insurance underwriter with the former Home Insurance Company in Charlotte.  His specialty with working with large accounts led him to Key Risk Management Services of Charlotte and Greensboro, NC.  After his retirement in 2018, Royden worked for many years as a consultant.

Royden was a member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church where he was a former member of the Providence Handbell Ringers, served as an usher, and served on the committee for Boy Scout Troop 55.

For 13 years, Royden was a French horn member of the Charlotte Civic Orchestra, after performing 10 years with the Queens University Orchestra.   He was a member of Myers Park Country Club for 43 years, where he served as the chairman of the swim team program, and as a long-time member of the Hackers Tennis Team.  Royden served as the trustee for a Windemere condominium unit in North Myrtle Beach.  He devoted his time and expertise with updating this 1980’s condo to a beautiful vacation home for 11 families.  He also served on executive boards for Spring Valley Swim Club and Foxcroft East Homeowners Association.  He was a former member of the Mr. and Mrs. Dance Club, the Charlotte Power Squadron, and he was a strong supporter of the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte. 

Royden was known as Daddy Pop to his six grandchildren, whom he dearly loved and cherished.  He always welcomed them with open arms.  One of Royden’s pleasures was traveling and vacationing with friends.  He and Diane recently returned from a 3-week historical trip in November, visiting the ancient Mediterranean ruins.  Besides tennis, Royden also enjoyed other sports, walking, dining with friends, relaxing with family and friends on the front porch of his mountain cabin, bird watching, attending theater productions, listening to music, and reading.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 3:00 PM at Myers Park Presbyterian Church with Pastor Lisa Hickman officiating.  Interment will be private.  Survivors include his wife, Diane Ward Higgins; brother, Allen Ramsey Higgins of Raleigh; sister-in-law: Catherine Ward Harkey of Charlotte; brother-in-law and wife: Kenneth Arthur Ward and Ann Eddy Ward of Charlotte; son and his wife: David Royden Higgins and Kristen Balkcum Higgins of Weddington, NC, daughter and her husband: Carolyn Higgins Bryan and Brandon Craig Bryan of Concord, NC; grandchildren Elizabeth Higgins Bryan; John Alden Bryan, James Royden Bryan of Concord; Eric James Higgins, Lila Ward Higgins, Mia Shelton Higgins of Weddington; and two nephews: Christopher Harris Harkey of Charlotte;  Jonathan Henry Harkey and his wife Jill; and grand niece and nephew: Brooke Elizabeth Harkey and Ryan Joseph Harkey of Atlanta, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Charlotte, 1613 E Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28207, or to the Myers Park Presbyterian Church (Music Fund), PO Box 6160, Charlotte, NC  28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204, (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Paul and Barbara Stewart

    It has been Barbara and my special privilege and blessing to be long time friends of Royden and Diane Higgins. Royden will be profoundly missed by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his extended family, his many social friends and professional colleagues. Our Friendship started some forty years ago.
    Barb and I have been the fortunate recipients of many welcomed invitations to join Royden and Diane at their North Myrtle Beach Condo and at their Mountain home near Boone. Royden served as their Condo manager for the owners and took consider pride in his many beautiful refurbishing projects. Royden loved to take beach walks for physical and spiritual renewal. I have fond memories of those walks with Royden, although his pace was always just a little bit faster than I preferred,— although, I usually managed to keep up.
    Our visits to their Mountain retreat included some of the most relaxed, restful times imaginable. Royden and Diane would occasionally allowed me to win at the pool table and on the chess board. Royden loved to tell about his grandchildren’s achievements. He also took special pleasure in telling us about the gifts they were giving their Grandchildren for Birthdays and at Christmas. They obviously have had many wonderful celebrations. Royden was extremely proud of his children David and Carolyn. We also have a boy, Trent, and a girl, Tiffany, and as destiny would have it, our two boys, Trent and David ended up in the same NC State Fraternity. From that fateful beginning, they have developed a lasting friendship.
    We give thanks for the fun times we spent with Royden and Diane. Highlights include New York City Broadway show weekends, a Baltic cruise, a bus tour of Canada and Yellowstone, musicals and plays at the Abingdon Barter Theater, the Wytheville playhouse, and the Greensboro Tanger Center. I will sadly miss those lively, thought provoking, post show discussions with Royden.
    Royden also secured front row balcony tickets for us to attend a Charlotte Hornets game. I think Charlotte lost. Nevertheless, it was fun evening.
    Royden and Diane have been very supportive of our Social events, which have included a retirement concert celebration, a 50th anniversary party and my 80th birthday party. Royden took many prized photos and videos of those events. Royden was very proud and supportive of his wife, Diane, and her professional involvement and successful accomplishments. He attended piano recitals, worked at piano festivals, assisted with the studio’s support of the Ronald McDonald’s House, helped with studio parities and found endless ways to encourage Diane’s students.
    Just a few weeks ago, Royden made an arduous, difficult trip to Greensboro to attend my Music Teacher’s session with Dr. Annie Zeng on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. We had a most pleasant luncheon afterwards. On reflection, that was a remarkable statement of support Royden gave me.
    We are so very lucky, blessed and fortunate to have had Royden as a most treasured friend. He will be missed. May his families’ cherished, countless memories be of lasting comfort during this most difficult transition.

    Short URL:
  • Clara Mateus

    Diane we are so very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. We pray for comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.
    Julio, Clara, Tomas and Gabriela

    Short URL:
  • Eugenia Sloan Carter

    Please accept my condolences, Diane. Know that I have been thinking of you every day during the past week and will continue to do so. I will let you know about any visit I make to Charlotte this summer and hope that we can have a meal together.
    Genie Carter.

    Short URL:
  • Mary Alicia Cox

    Dear Diane,
    I am so sorry that you lost your dear husband so suddenly. My Mother had the same disease, and there is nothing that can be done--so sad. Whenever we got together at conventions or retirement parties, he was so nice and friendly and I know , was very supportive of your endeavors. I will be thinking of you at this difficult time.
    Mary Alicia Cox

    Short URL:
  • Eric Wargin

    Diane, we are so sorry to hear about Royden. We enjoyed our recent time together in River Ridge even during the hurricane and dealing with the well. We will miss seeing him up here. Jenny and I are sending our love.

    Short URL:
  • Renee H. McKee

    Oh Diane. How deeply we feel for you, pray for you, and sorrow with you. Nothing can prepare us for a loss of such depth; so many years together create bonds that nobody else can appreciate but you two. Richard and I send our sincere condolences to you, your children, and to the grandkids who have lost their Daddy Pop. -Richard and Renée McKee, Raleigh Piano Teachers Association

    Short URL:
  • Anita & Dick Stilley

    Oh, Diane,
    How we have treasured you and Royden & your wonderful family over so many years. You both have been such kind & loving friends with whom we have shared so many memorable times. We are already missing Royden so very much, but want you to know we are here for you always with continued love, hugs & prayers.

    Short URL:
  • Rebecca Biddle

    Dianne, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Rebecca Biddle.....GMTA

    Short URL:
  • Susan Hall

    I am so sorry to hear of Royden’s passing. As long time neighbors I shared many wonderful times kayaking, sharing meals, and enjoying balcony sunsets on our porches in the mountains of NC. Royden was a good man, wonderful husband, father, and friend. He will be missed. Rest in peace Royden.

    Short URL: