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Harry Hightower Obituary
Virginia Beach - Harry Hightower, 87, passed away on Feb. 1, 2012. He was born in Muhlenberg, Ky. to the late Willie Collins and Frank Hightower. He received the Admiral Zumwalt "Best in Navy" award twice, served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years as a MCPO and retired after 21 years in the civil service (GS-11). He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The International Order of Alhambra, Atlantic Shores Baptist Church, and the creator of the renowned USS Missouri Buttermilk Pie; a recipe even President Truman couldn't talk him out of.
He is survived by his wife, Pilar Hightower; daughters Janet P. Hightower, Ivette L. Norman and husband Pettis, Yogi L. Boothe and husband Nick, Xiomara L. Hightower, Brigitte B. Underwood, Janet K. Hamel, son, Chris Hamel, sister, Lillian, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He will be truly missed.
A funeral service will be held on Feb. 4, 11 a.m. at Atlantic Shores Baptist Church with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Indian River Chapel is handling arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Hightower
Sponsored by HER -- Hightower Educational Resources.
Michael W Stewart
January 28, 2025
So long to Harry Hightower the "Gentleman's Gentleman."
Michelle M Crosby Walker
January 27, 2025
My father, Roger Crosby, used to talk about "Handsome Harry Hightower" quite often. While no chef, Dad also enjoyed cooking so I am sure that dad tried to get more than one from Mr. Hightower. He was very fond of him and they apparently shared "stories", as sailors do.
Somewhere in heaven I believe that there are sailors enjoying their old stories. Enjoying the camaraderie that I know my father felt while serving in the Navy, and that I hope they are both enjoying together now.
My deepest respect to you Mr. Hightower and to your family.
Wanda Sewell
August 3, 2021
My belated sympathy goes out to the Hightower family as I am just seeing this now. I was living in Upstate NY in 2012 I grew up in Level Green and each of us kids had a match with the Hightowers. I last saw Mr & Mrs. Hightower in the mid-1980s at a Hope Haven banquet when I worked out there. I hope God is continuing to be a comfort to all of you. Sorry for your loss.
Greg Anderson
April 7, 2021
Early 80’s, Indian river bowling myself & Harry plus Cora and Yogi on the same bowling team, was a pleasure to know Harry and Cora back in the day, Harry was a great guy to be with and enjoyed our conversations with he and his Family, will always treasure that time with him , condolences to his Family , been out of the Country for the past 16 years, hence the much delayed memory. Greg A
Mike J. Watt Jr.
February 8, 2021
He was one of a kind. He was a patient of mine, when I was stationed at NMCP in 2009 and he was the reason I received an award for Shipmate of the Month, by him writing a letter to my COC about my attention to detail and my efforts to take care of him. One of my favorite patients while working on the MedSurg ward 4F. May your smile down on your family from heaven.
Susan Soderberg
June 12, 2020
MCPO Hightower lives on! His Buttermilk Pie recipe, along with the story of its connection with President Harry Truman, continues to be made at every holiday in our family since 1970. I don't tell visitors to our table what is in this delicious pie until they have taken a bite. Invariably they ask for the recipe, and I tell them the story from the Navy Times. His retirement gift is a treasure to many.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Missing my Papasito!
Janet Hightower
January 24, 2017
HIGHTOWER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
FONDLY REMEMBERING HARRY T. HIGHTOWER
Remembering my dad is a happy & sad memory.
Wishing he is in Heaven dancing with Mom, Cora L. Hightower, the love of his life!
Janet
Tammy Medley
March 23, 2014
My prayers for continued strength goes out to the Hightower Family.I too lived in College Park and was able to experience some great times with the family from eatiing great food, slumber parties, talking and sharing great stories about fashion, sports and good old NSU. May you continue to be beautiful and great women through God.
Much love!
Tammy Russell-Medley
Denise Poole-Hill
March 11, 2014
My deepest condelensces for the family - Janet, Ivette, Yolonda, and Xiomara. I havent seen Mr. Hightower since the early 90s. I grew up with the family in College Park subdivision of Virginia Beach. My mother still lives in the same house.
God Bless all of you!
Peace and Blessings,
Denise
Janet Hightower, HER CEO
January 27, 2014
HER, Hightower Educational Services, remembers "Handsome Harry" on the second aniversary of his passing.
Roger Crosby
November 24, 2013
I worked with Mr. Hightower at the BAQ in Cuba from 1957-1958; he was a great man! - Roger D. Crosby, USN, retired
Roger Crosby
November 24, 2013
I worked with Mr. Hightower at the BAQ in Cuba 1957-1958; he was a great man!
Regina Mobley
March 3, 2012
What a handsome man! My condolences to the entire family. I am so happy that I was able to spend time with him a few years ago while overlooking the oceanfront. That was a special day.
James & Erica Jessup
February 13, 2012
Our prayers are with you, Harry was like a big brother to us. He will be missed.
February 9, 2012
Janet,
John and I send our heart felt condolences on the death of your Dad. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Love,
Lorraine Holsinger
Megan Khichi
February 9, 2012
Sending my love and strength for the Hightower family. I feel privileged to have learned of Harry, though late in life, and heard Janet's stories. He appears to have lived a fulfilled life. My condolences to the family.
February 9, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mayra Ocasio
February 8, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to Janet and the rest of the Hightower family! God bless!
Janet Hightower Davis
February 8, 2012
Thank you to all of the friends, family, Atlantic Shores church members, neighbors, U.S. Navy Honor Guard, and Rick & the Holloman-Brown staff. What a celebration we shared for my Papasito. He would have been greatly touched.
I read a story in Walter Dean Meyer's "145 Street Stories", where a character preplanned his funeral celebration service. You see, the man wanted to see and hear what everyone would say and do at his services. When all was done, the man and all of his friends celebrated.
I know my father had no unfinished business with any of us. He was proud of his life, his first marriage, his college-educated daughters, his sons-in-law, his being blessed to serve in the Navy, for his first sets of grandchildren, and God giving him a second chance in his retirement to be blessed with a beloved second family, another beautiful wife, chance to be “Papa” and even more grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was no need to stay, so Dad went on to Heaven to an even greater party; to celebrate his arrival with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the presence of Dad's friends and family already there!
I love you all. I also have to say a few more words about my family, especially: Yogi, Nick, Ty, Chase, & "Ma" Pilar who cared for dad until the end while Jessica stood in the gap for Yogi; for Cece who sat by Dad's side every day; for Ivette who knew how to make dad feel like the famous man we knew him to be and for MC Carter for making the "HIGHTOWER HALL" trip happen; for Janet who stood in the gap to take care of Dad while "Ma" rested; for Chris who was the last of us "kids" to hold Dad's hand; and last, and most important, to Brigitte. . . you gave my Dad a second chance to enjoy the fun and wonder of fatherhood, as he played with, watched, and loved your children...his grandchildren. Additionally, to Todd and the VWC Baseball Team . . . thanks for the work and for the sharing; Dad loved the "king's" chair and the huge TV.
I cannot say thanks enough, but I do thank GOD that all of you are in my life. You are all blessings in my life, as you were to Dad. I love you and God Bless you and everyone who reads this.
Sincerely,
Theresa Barker
February 6, 2012
Yogi and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Speed,
Theresa
Oakie Wellman
February 5, 2012
We will miss you Uncle Harry!!
Terri Hoppel
February 3, 2012
Yogi and Hightower family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Take care.
February 3, 2012
We are sorry for your loss and send our best, wish we could be there aunt brigette aunt janet uncle chris and pilar
Beth Ginn
February 3, 2012
Brigitte, Janet, and family You are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 3, 2012
I worked with your father for a period of eleven years at the NSBOQ. I am truly sadden by his departure. My prayers are with your family and may God bless each of you .
Faye Hardy.
William Stump, Jr
February 3, 2012
To the Hightower family. I had the privilege of working with Harry for many years at the Naval Station. He was always a gentleman and each crossing of paths was always a pleasure. When he won his Zumwalt Awards, as well as during the Holidays he would bring our Office, The Staff Civil Engineers, his Buttermilk Pie and the story of his making it for President Truman was especially interesting. From his trip to Seoul for the Olympics, to just everyday conversation, he was a very interesting man and I never heard anyone have a bad word to say about him not he about anyone else. He will be missed.
Rob & Ruth Hoover
February 3, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We are sorry for your loss.
Michael Stewart
February 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Nancy Brannon
February 3, 2012
I had the priviledge of meeting Harry back in the 80's when he was a patient of Dr. Ron Modlinger, he was the most gracious man, and oh so proud to make us his USS Missouri Buttermilk Pie, at Christmas I once again made one. He so graciously shared the recipie with me long ago. With each pie I make I will always have fond Memories of Mr. Hightower. Always a kind word and smile. God bless you dear family until you meet again. Nancy Brannon
February 3, 2012
Hightower Girls - Our heartfelt condolences are with you during this difficult time. Your faith in God will carry you in your time of need.... TNT - The Nesbitt Team. (Dudley and family)
Mary-Ellen Ciali
February 3, 2012
Dear Janet and Family, I'm holding you in my heart during this time of deep loss. May your faith in everlasting Life be a consolation to you, and bring you comfort. God bless you. Mary-Ellen
February 3, 2012
Yvette, My deepest sympathy...I still remember you talking lovingly about your Father and his pie...I think of you often...MaryLou Bailey KDG/Luxford
McPherson Family
February 3, 2012
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Hightower family. Mr. Hightower will always be remembered. He will live forever in our memories and in our hearts. From Angelo, Regina, and Cameron McPherson
February 2, 2012
Our deepest condolence and our prayers are with you during this difficult moment in time.
From Norbert, JoAnna, & Josiah Sampson
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