Blog

It is with heavy hearts today, September 2nd, that we lay to rest Mr. Gene Higginbotham, the founder and owner of American Pest Control. To many of those who work at APC he was more than an employer, he was a friend or even more like a family member. This afternoon, Mr. Higginbotham will make his final pass by American Pest Control on the way to the committal service followed by the entire fleet of American Pest Control vehicles. We could not be prouder to represent him and his lifelong commitment to excellence.

Gene Higginbotham founded American Pest Control in November of 1971. What began as a small pest control company employing only three people has since grown into a company with 11 offices all over Northeast Georgia with 108 employees, all the while maintaining it’s local, family-owned, small-town values.The American Pest Control family is heartbroken today, but also thankful for the memories and for the opportunity to know such an inspirational man.

“Honestly I can say it’s been an honor and privilege to work for him all these years. When we started this business it was like family. That’s the way we are always treated.”

– Kathy Hollin (43 years at APC)

“We lost a great man and great friend today.”

– Becky Finney (16 years at APC)

“It’s a family here and the loss will be felt by many.”

– John Miller (17 years at APC)

“Gene was a great friend and the best boss a person could ask for. I can still hear him say “If you don’t do anything else today, go out and sale something.” Gene always had the biggest smile and was a joy to be around. I will miss him tremendously. Rest in peace my friend.”

– Don Parr (25 years at APC)

“My fondest memories of Mr. Gene are of Christmas parties at his house where some of the old employees would sit around and tell stories. Mr. Gene was a great story teller. We would all be in stiches laughing at some of his tales.”

– Connie Morrison (25 years at APC)

“Mr. Gene has been a friend, mentor and boss, beyond comparison, to me for over 34 years. Remembering his stories and sayings will forever be with me and others he invested in. One saying was, ‘If you don’t do anything else today, go out and sale something.’ Or, ‘Nothing happens until something is sold.’ On Sunday Mr. Gene entered heaven.Today we tried to carry on just as he would. American Pest Control employees have been trained by the best. Laurie and Scott have been taught by the best! The torch has been passed!”

– Buddy Bufford (34 years at APC)

“I am at a loss for words. I have known Gene for 20 + years and he was not only an employer but he was like a father and he cared about ALL his employees. He was an inspiration to all of us. I enjoyed sitting and listening to the stories he use to tell about back in the day. I will miss him waving to me from in the hall every day when he would go check his mailbox or coming back to my office just to say “good morning” or ask me how things were going. Just the little things mean so much. Heaven has just received a GOLDEN ANGEL. There is no other man like him in the world. I will miss him very much. This is not goodbye but we will see you soon.”

– Sherry Elkins (20 years at APC)

Please keep the APC family and the Higginbotham family in your thought and prayers during this difficult time. Mr. Gene was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.