"You learn something out of everything, and you come to realize more than ever that we're all here for a certain space of time, and, and then it's going to be over, and you better make this count. " Nancy Reagan

No one made life "count" more than Robert Marion Higdon, Jr. 58, who passed away peacefully in his Panama City Beach home on Tuesday.  Robert, a talented interior designer who once led fundraising efforts and served as a board member for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and counted Nancy Reagan among many of his famous and influential friends, will be forever remembered by his father Robert M. Higdon, Sr., his sister Suzanne Farrar, his nephew Matthew Farrar (Anna), his niece Kendall Patrick (Brent), his great niece Hannah Kathryn Patrick, and his beloved companion, Wilby. Robert loved and adored his nephew, niece and the family's newest addition, his great niece.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Higdon, in 2009.

Before moving back to Panama City Beach a year ago, Robert dedicated his time to a hectic Washington D.C.-based life that included (among other things) stints as the managing director of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation and executive director of the Prince of Wales Foundation in the United States.  In those capacities he literally, and figuratively, danced with the stars and made a lifetime of memories captured in iconic photographs he proudly displayed in his newly-decorated Panama City Beach condo. Desiring to be near family once again, Robert was excited to move back to his childhood home.  In his short time here, he renewed old friendships, made new friends, and began exploring future creative avenues for his design expertise.

His legacy will be an eclectic group of friends and family members who will forever remember him for his unique decorating style, his zest for life, his storied career, his keen wit, and, most of all, his love for his family and friends. In remembering him, however, Robert would not want anyone to be sad or to mourn his absence. Instead, he would wish for us all to celebrate and remember a life well lived; one decorated with treasured memories, beautiful relationships and color in every corner.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 23, 2018 at 11 am in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bill Montgomery officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 am prior to the service.