Howard Cleveland "H.C." Hightower

May 25, 1934 - January 6, 2020

Howard Cleveland “H.C.” Hightower, 85, of Church Hill, TN passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, January 6, 2020. H.C. was born on May 25, 1934, in Maryville, TN to the late Howard Cleveland Hightower, Sr. and Rita Louella Keller Hightower. H.C was a proud Veteran of the United States Army having served two years active duty and four years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired from Greenland/AFG Glass and worked as a mechanic for the City of Church Hill for many years. H.C. was a member of the Clay Masonic Lodge # 386 for over 60 years and he was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masons 32nd Degree. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Lynn Hightower; and eight siblings. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Baldwin Hightower; daughters, Robin Hightower Parker, Rita Evans (Ronnie); grandsons, Noah Jeffrey and Samuel Thomas; granddaughters, Cristal, Melanie and Elizabeth; two great-grandchildren, Laurel and Edward; sister, JoAnne Leathers; special friends and neighbors, Ken and Linda Luster, Jeremy and Beth Pitt, Phillip and Michelle Montgomery, Karen Price, Ed and Rhonda McIntyre; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. The family will receive friends 4:00-6:00 pm on Friday, January 10, 2020, in the chapel of Oak Hill Funeral Home. A Masonic Service conducted by the Clay Masonic Lodge # 386 will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the Funeral Service with Pastor Gary Gerhardt officiating. A Military Graveside Service conducted by The American Legion Hammond Post # 3 and Gate City, VA Post # 265 will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 11, 2020, in the Garden of the Last Supper at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Those attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the graveside at 9:45 am. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Broadwater, Ken Luster, Bobby Phelps, Shirl McCullough, Phillip Montgomery, and Jeremy Pitt. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff of Asbury Place where he was so loved and cared for and to Martha and Bobby with Encompass Health. The care of Howard Cleveland “H.C.” Hightower and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Service