Billy Hightower

MANSFIELD -- Billy Edd Hightower, 84, died on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at the hospital in Mansfield, surrounded by his family and friends.        Requiem: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22 at St. Peter and Paul Anglican Church, 3900 Morris Lane, Arlington. Interment to follow at the church. Then the family will greet friends and relatives in the Great Hall.        Memorials: Donations may be made in Bill's name to St. Peter and Paul Anglican Church.        Bill was born on Dec. 10, 1928 in Eupora, Miss. to Edward Lester and Ida Lillian Ingram Hightower. He graduated from Eupora High School in 1946. After high school, he served in the Navy following World War II. Then Bill attended Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss. where he received a B.S. in Agriculture in 1952.        After college, Bill began working for Delta Airlines in the agriculture division. Next he was appointed to the technical sales department of Velsicol Chemical Corp. In 1960, Bill began a long and distinguished career with Ciba-Geigy. He held positions as sales representative, district manager, assistant regional manager and western area sales manager. In 1975, Bill became National Sales Manager for Funk Seeds and in 1977 became a Vice President for the company. He retired in 1985 and relocated with Sue to Mansfield.        Bill married Betty Sue Sherwin on May 5, 1950. They were happily married for 55 years. Bill was a member of St. Peter and Paul Anglican Church in Arlington, where he was a member of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew and served as an usher. He was also a member of Walnut Creek Country Club where he was an avid golfer for over 25 years. When Bill was not golfing, he enjoyed working on his vintage 1956 Ford T-Bird.        Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edd and Lily Hightower; his wife, Sue; and his daughter, Charnell Hightower Miller.        Survivors: His sister, Mary Ann Fuller and husband, Hal, of Starkville, Miss.; His son, The Rev. Dr. Thomas Hightower and wife, Meredith, of Arlington; three grandchildren, Cason Pence of Euless, Elizabeth Hightower of Arlington and Thomas Hightower and wife, Priscilla, of Brandon, Miss.; one great-grandson, Jacob Pence, of Mansfield; two nephews, Mitch Coleman and wife, Linda, and Randy Coleman and wife, Lynn and their children. Blessing Funeral Home Mansfield, 817-473-1555