A. J. Hightower

A.J. Hightower, age 98, of Mount Vernon, passed away in the mid-morning hours of Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at East Texas Medical Center of Mount Vernon, surrounded by his beloved family. A. J. was born on October 20, 1915 in Franklin County to the late John Robert and Stella Newsome Hightower. He met the love of his life, Eula Cloninger, and together they married on November 19, 1933 in Mount Vernon. After almost 63 years of raising a family and living a lifetime of memories, she preceded him in death on June 21, 1996. A.J. was a member of the Church of the Nazarene. He was a devoted man who spent 28 years working for Safeway Foods where he began as a clerk and worked his way to become the Perishables Manager. After Safeway, he worked for many years on the back of tractor, though he never considered it work. His happiest times later in life were the hours he spent on a tractor. A. J. lived in Dallas for nearly 20 years but returned to where he always considered home, Franklin County. Those he leaves behind will remember him as a salt of the earth gentleman who knew the value of a good days’ work and the love it took to raise a large family.A.J. is survived by six sons, Jimmy Hightower, and wife Barbara, of Omaha, Texas, Fred Hightower, and wife Julie, of Carthage, David Hightower, and wife Sandy, of Graham, Benny Hightower of Cookville, Johnny Hightower, and wife Lynell, of Euless, and Larry Hightower, and wife Debbie, of Euless; one daughter, Lou Tiller, and husband Butch, of Mount Vernon; one brother, Norris Hightower of Weatherford; and by 24 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 39 great-great grandchildren. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and special friends.He was also preceded in death by two sons, A.J. Hightower, Jr. and Gaylon Max Hightower; one daughter, Norma Holster; one sister, Dureen Davis; and by one great-grandson, Daniel Hightower.Graveside services for A.J. Hightower will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Liberty Cemetery in Franklin County with Brother Tommy Campbell officiating.