George Hightower

George David Hightower III went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2025, at the age of 92. George was born in New Albany, MS on December 9, 1933. He was the son of George David Hightower, Jr. and Louise Barbee Hightower. A year after his birth, the family moved to Webb, MS, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from West Tallahatchie High School and received a B.A. degree from the University of Mississippi, where he was member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He then served in France with the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps.

Following his military service, he began his career with Humble Oil Company (later Exxon), in Nashville, TN. There, he met and later married his wife, Patricia (Trish) Hightower. He continued to advance in his career working as a Sales Representative/ Supervisor in East Tennessee, District Manager for Marketing in Jackson, MS, and Employee Relations Coordinator in Memphis, TN. In 1973, he established his own business, Hightower Oil Company, which was ultimately based in Grenada, MS, serving various areas in North Mississippi.

George was active in both professional and civic organizations. He was a member and past president of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers Association, and a member of the Mississippi Economic Council and the Mississippi Association of Convenience Stores. Locally he was a member and past president of the Grenada County Ole Miss Rebel Club, the Grenada County Chamber of Commerce, and the Grenada Rotary Club where he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was on the Board of Trustees for the Elizabeth Jones Library, and on the Community Board of Directors for Regions Bank. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

George loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Men's Sunday School Class at his church. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Ole Miss and followed Ole Miss sports, particularly football, throughout his life. Once he moved to Grenada, he became an avid runner, joining an informal "running club" of neighborhood men several days a week. He and Trish enjoyed traveling with family and friends. George was a beloved husband, father, brother and friend.

George was predeceased by his parents, George and Louise Hightower, and his wife of 65 years, Trish Hightower. He is survived by his daughter, Dianne Hightower of Southaven, MS, his son David Hightower of St. Louis, MO, and his sister Ann Hightower of Cordova, TN. Special thanks to Pearlene Liddell, Sherondra Harris, and the staff at Olive Grove Terrace Assisted Living.

Funeral services to honor George's remarkable life will be held at 2:30 PM Saturday, January 10, 2026 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service Saturday at McKibben and Guinn. Private burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).