Our Valued Staff
At Higgins Funeral Home of Benton, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing compassionate care and support during life's most challenging moments. Each member of our staff brings a wealth of experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping families honor their loved ones with dignity and respect. We understand the importance of personalized service, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your needs are met with understanding and professionalism. Get to know the caring individuals who are here to serve you and your family.
A native of the Oak Grove Community in West Polk County, Billy Rex has been trusted by hundreds of each of our neighbors during their season of grief. He and his wife Sally have two daughters, Lynn and Leigh Anne. Bill has been apart of the funeral profession for over 25 years and has earned a reputation for his caring and comforting demeanor.
Mr. Bill is a 32nd Degree Mason and is a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church (Conversion Church).
Ryan learned at an early age his passion for serving families during their season of grief and has been serving for 18 yrs. (May 2007). Prior to graduating with honors from Polk County High School (Class of '08), a required job shadowing of Mr. Bill was all that was needed. Ryan has served alongside Mr. Blackwell for the majority of those 18 years, forming a connection and service unparallel.
Ryan and his fiancé Nikki have two daughters, Ivy Grace (10 yrs.) and Emma Ann (6 yrs.). The son of Mrs. Jennifer White Qualls and the late Charlie W. Qualls, he is the brother to Stephanie (Alex) Akins and the uncle to Andie Jennifer (3 months.)
Outside of the funeral home, Ryan serves as Commissioner with the City of Benton (5 yrs./ 2nd term) and is an active diplomat and member of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys watching Ivy Grace on the ballfield and in the gym while raising Emma Ann to be the best closet athlete of all-time. A true Vol for Life, he and Nikki have been following the Vols for 11 years and counting.
"It is an honor to be here for each of you during the difficult times that come during the season of grief. We truly consider it a tremendous honor to be trusted during such times and if we can ever be of assistance, please call."
“Jr.” joined our family during the summer of 2021. He graduated from Polk County High School and excelled on the athletic fields but through hard work in the classroom, he was able to pursue and enjoy a successful career with Olin Corp.
He is a member of Delano Baptist Church and is an integral part of our staff.
Tracey Fox has been an integral part of the success of excellence in service Higgins Funeral Home offers. She serves as our office manager and oversees the daily administrative tasks. Her commitment to service is noticed regarding the efficiency in filing of the death certificates, creating beautiful everlasting tribute videos and memorial cards, and being the voice heard when the phone rings. Mrs. Tracey has been married to her husband Chris Fox for 19 years, and they have three children, Brittany Campbell, Grace Holcomb and Nicholas Fox and several special grandchildren.
A native of Florida, Mrs. Tracey resides north of the Hiwassee, across the railroad bridge into McMinn county.
When not overseeing operations, she will be found being "Nonnie" to her grandchildren, who she loves so much.
Nikki has been serving families alongside Ryan for several months. Though really, for over 11 years, as she is the behind scene assistant. Nikki is the mother of two daughters, Ivy Grace and Emma Ann. She enjoys spending her time with her family and caring for one another.
She oversees the daily operations of Higgins Monuments, offering the most affordable and respectful memorials. A service trusted for 98 yrs.
A life-long resident of Benton, Barbara graduated from Polk County High School and attends First Baptist Church of Benton.
When Barbara is away from the funeral home, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren who are the light of her life. She loves working outside in her yard, cooking and traveling.
She's also a Team Leader with the senior group "Happy Hearts" here in Benton.
James "Jim" Gold faithfully served Polk, Bradley, McMinn and surrounding areas by assisting the communities during the season of grief. He was a Funeral Director for over 50 years having worked for Goodner-Allen Funeral Home, Buckner-Rush Funeral Homes, R.B.F.H., Fike Funeral Home with Kim Randolph, and spent the last 5 years with Higgins Funeral Home of Benton. He was well known in Benton and surrounding communities for his comfort and calmness when families called on Higgins. He is certainly missed.
He was married to JoAnn Gold for more than 65 yrs. and was a member of Eastside church of Christ in Cleveland.
Nicole has been serving the families of Polk County and surrounding areas for over 3 yrs. She has devoted her life to service and continues to serve in the community as pre-planning specialist. She assists in every way and helps navigate the options and guides to understand the importance of pre-planning and arranging one's final arrangements in advance.
She has two children.
