J. Waite Higgins, DDS, F.A.G.D.

J. Waite Higgins, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

Dr. John Waite Higgins was born January 3, 1925, in Galveston, Texas. Waite passed away peacefully at home on February 22, 2026. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Marcus Island CVE 77 in the Pacific Theatre. His ship played a significant role in several major campaigns, including the Mariana and Palau Islands Campaign, which encompassed the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Angaur; the Philippines Campaign, which included the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Battle of Samar, the Battle of Mindoro, and the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, as well as the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. At the end of World War 11, the USS Marcus Island was part of what was called The Magic Carpet Fleet, which brought our Marines home from the Pacific Theatre.

After the war, Waite attended college in San Marcos, where he met the love of his life, Ila Varie Treybig. They married in 1947, a union that would span 79 beautiful years. In the early years of their marriage, Waite helped ldee's family ranch and farm across Agua Dulce, Petronila, and Orange Grove, Texas, where he also roped and broke horses for use on the ranch; all during the difficult drought of the 1950s. It was during this time that Waite made the decision to attend dental school. With the GI Bill helping to fund his education and ldee supporting the family by teaching school, he pursued his calling with great determination.

After graduation in 1960, Waite returned to South Texas to practice, exactly as he had always intended. He went on to practice dentistry for 52 years, and he loved every moment of it, and was known to say, "I never worked a day." Waite was past president of the Nueces Valley Dental District Society and a member of the Corpus Christi Dental Study Club, which gathered at the Yacht Club to study cases and explore emerging topics in the dental field. He also served on the Texas Dental Association Education Ancillary Committee, which was involved with dental school curriculum, and served as its Chairman for three years. Waite enjoyed spending time at 'The Place" playing with his cattle and working on ranching tasks. He adored and loved his family and could be seen supporting them in all activities.

Waite was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, where he taught Bible classes on both Sundays and Wednesdays, and faithfully served as both a deacon and an elder. He was currently attending Weber Road Church of Christ.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Esther Norton Higgins and John Waite Higgins, Sr. and his two brothers, Walter Norton and Vernon James. 

Waite is survived by his beloved wife of 79 years, Ila Varie "ldee" Higgins; his son, Michael Norton Higgins of Sandia; and his daughter, Patricia (Larry) Biffle of Taft. His grandchildren are Bret (Azeneth) Dameworth of El Paso; Jennifer (Steve) Ketter of Bettendorf, Iowa, Kara (Kirk) Russell of Midlothian; Katy Biffle of London, England, and Amy Biffle (Rod) Cantey of Atlanta, Georgia. His great-grandchildren are William, Emma, and Katherine Dameworth; Kenna, Cori, and Colbie Ketter; Carson and Kalynn Russell; John Whitaker Cantey and Caroline Brevard Cantey of Atlanta. He is also survived by his cousin, Marie Hartnett; his sister-in-law, Wanza Treybig; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt and special thanks to caregivers Roxanne, Sandy, Mary, Sara, Juan, and James, whose devoted care means the world to them.

Visitation will be held on March 11, 2026 from 5-7 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home located at 12497 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, TX 78410. Funeral services will be held on March 12, 2026 from 11:30-12:30 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Following the service, Waite will be laid to rest at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 P.M. with full Military Honors.

Pallbearers will Bill Bauer, Bret Dameworth, William Hopper, Larry Biffle, Brad Rogers, and Kyle Lednicky.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bandina Christian Youth Camp, in memory of J. Waite Higgins, D.D.S., by either gifting online or mailing your donation to Bandina Christian Youth Camp, P.O. Box 3383, Alice, TX 78333.