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Samuel Hightower Obituary
PEORIA - Deacon Samuel Hightower, 89, of Heartland Manor Care, formerly of 1002 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave., Peoria, Ill., passed away peacefully at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 13, 2012, at Heartland Manor Care.
Deacon Hightower was born on Sept. 11, 1922, in Tucker, Ark., to Frank and Gertrude (Giles) Hightower. At the age of 12, he was baptized at Clear Lake Baptist Church in England, Ark., under the leadership of Pastor L.P. Patrick. He married Nettie Mae McCullum on Oct. 2, 1948, and they shared 56 years of marriage until her death on June 21, 2004.
Deacon Hightower was a decorated World War II Army veteran, serving from 1943 to 1946. His military assignment covered the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign, which included Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland, where he earned three Bronze Stars and the good conduct medal.
After his military service, Deacon Hightower married the love of his life, Nettie. They settled into their lives as pillars of the Peoria community and became mentors to their son, nieces, nephews and others.
Many will remember Deacon Hightower for his outstanding athletic abilities playing softball for the Caterpillar Softball leagues.
Deacon Hightower worked for Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1986 after more than 27 years of service.
He was a former member and deacon at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. He was a charter member and deacon at Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served until his health failed.
Deacon Hightower leaves to cherish his most precious memories his loving and devoted family, which includes a son, Avery Hightower of Peoria; one brother, Aldridge (James Anna) Hightower of Peoria; one sister, Genora Hendricks of Peoria; one grandson, Marque Jackson of Houston, Texas; a special niece, Genevieve (James) Howard of Normal, Ill.; a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and his Prince of Peace Church family.
He is also preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Alice Robinson and Verdie Hanson; and five brothers, George Hightower, James Hightower, Frank Hightower, the Rev. Calvin Hightower and Willie Hightower.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, at his beloved church, with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9 a.m. Pastor Simon J. Holly Jr. will officiate. Deacon Samuel Hightower will be laid to rest in Swan Lake Memory Gardens' Field of Honors. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army. Family and friends will be received on Friday evening, May 18, 2012, at 1118 E. Wilson Ave. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Hightower
Robert Costic
May 11, 2021
RIHP UNCLE SAM
Janice Webster
May 27, 2012
Uncle Sam was always so sweet and welcoming. He will never be forgotten.
I hope he and Aunt Nettie are dancing in Heaven.
Gerald&Jeanette (Vinson) Stewart
May 19, 2012
To the family of the late Dec Sam Hightower, May the love of God comfort you during your bereavement. Our prayers are with you.
Ricky Hightower
May 19, 2012
I love you uncle Sam..R.I.P...you are with your "honey" once again..I will miss you unk!!
Luegenia Whitelow
May 19, 2012
Praying for the family. Rest in Peace Friend.
Tonja Fuller-White
May 19, 2012
Deacon Sam encouraged me to be the church van driver which has carried on in my life today. Thank God for your life! Rest in Peace Uncle Sam.
May 18, 2012
Rest in peace Uncle Sam. I will forever cherish the memories of my summer visits to Peoria.
rose collins
May 18, 2012
To Paul: Mr. Sam and Ms. Genora has been truly been blessed to have you. I remember your true dedication coming to peoria Heartland caring for them. I am so happy I had the honor to care for them and Mr. Sam has been called home. I know God makes no mistakes.You and your family are in my prayers.
Iris Walker
May 18, 2012
Rest in peace Uncle Sam. I will forever cherish the memories of my summer visits to Peoria.
Sherry Jackson
May 18, 2012
He was a nice and god fearing man. RIP Mr. Hightower.
Jacksons
Carla J. Smith - Bynum & Family
May 18, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
John & Yvonne Evans
May 18, 2012
To the Hightower Family. Sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless you and keep you during this time of sorrow. You will always have him in your heart and will keep him alive with loving memories.
Richard H. Smith & Family
May 18, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
NORA FIELD TAYLOR TEMPLE #270 (ELK'S)
May 18, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ms. Pat Ward
May 18, 2012
Hightower family, may the GOD of all COMFORT keep your hearts at this time of lost. GOD knows, GOD sees and GOD cares!
In Christs" Name
Sis. Pat Ward
Pastor Cedric and Marlene Shumate
May 18, 2012
To the Hightower Family,
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you. We hold fond memories of Uncle Sam from our days at Morning Star Baptist Church.
Numbers 6:24-26
May the Lord Bless you and take good care of you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look on you with favor and give you His peace.
Mary J. Welch and the Welch/Costic Family
May 17, 2012
Just want you to know that the family of the late Henry "Pee Wee" Welch will be praying for your family during the time of grief. Uncle Sam and Aunt Nettie have always been a part of our lives, and we miss them both. Know that we love you all and are praying for your strength in the Lord.
gail kimbrough
May 17, 2012
Robin and the rest of your family I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Gail Kimbrough
Jeff & Darletta (Chelle) Morris
May 17, 2012
It was such an honor to take care of Mr. Hightower at Heartland. To the family, may God keep you and bless you.
Kimberly Oconner- Moore
May 17, 2012
Avery, praying much for you and your family. God Bless and strengthen you.
Evangelsit Kim ( OConner) Moore, Renton, Wa.
Toni Gillespie-Wren
May 17, 2012
Hey Uncle Sam, the bright light from my grandfather whom I didn't get to meet and you told me stories of him and my mom. It was always a joy to sit on the porch while you sat with me and a couple of my other cousins and relatives. I will miss you always and always will be remembered. I love you R.I.P.
Toni /Tyrone Wren & Family
Ruth Welch
May 17, 2012
Genevieve,
I send prayers to you and your family doing this time. All the years we have known each other your "Uncle Sam" was one of your lifes special loved one and joy on this earth to talk about. May all your memories of special times sustain you and James doing this time.
Marc & Ruth Welch
Bill Ranney
May 17, 2012
I played softball with Sammy in the early 60's with the East Peoria Merchants. Sammy was an outstanding gentleman in every sense of the word.
keyonna jones
May 17, 2012
Mr.hightower it was a pleasure taking care of you always brought a smile to my face whenever I was feeling down ...you'd always quote"for God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son.....etc" I will never forget how u always said you remember me from when I was this big :) and would hold your hand up about a foot from the ground im going too miss you n your wonderful niece Gennie coming too visit...your family is in my prayers
Aliesha/Corey Hosea & Family
May 17, 2012
Uncle Sam was my historian..how I loved to sit on his porch and listen to all the stories about the Hightower family. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten, towards the end he just looked at me and said "Hi, Phyl" but I was always his little "pee wee"..Love you, Uncle Sam
Erma Banks
May 17, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Della Mcknight
May 17, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Rev. John H. Lee Sr
May 17, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Saluting your veteran this Memorial Day.
Rev. John H. Lee Sr
May 17, 2012
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
Dean Rivers
May 17, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michael Young
May 17, 2012
My deepest sympathy is extended to the Hightower family, in the passing of your loved one and my friend Uncle Sam Highotwer.
I will always recall very fond memories of Uncle Sam as he was affectionately known as by the youngpeople at New Morning Star Baptist Church. I found him to be a very caring and loving person, and one who truly loved the Lord.
Please know that my continued prayers are with the family as you face the days ahead. May your many fond memories, and faith sustain you.
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