Joseph M. Hightower

Captain Joseph Martin Hightower, 89, of Paris, TN, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014. He was a retired master pilot with American River Transportation Co. Mr. Hightower, the husband of Perneica Ann Hightower, is also survived by his children, Danny Michael Hightower, Sr. of Missouri, Sharon Leah Stevens, Chip McJunkin, Lori McGinnis, David Lynn Hightower, Sara Elizabeth Pope and William Ray Hightower, all of Tennessee and Joseph Martin Hightower, Jr, William Eugene Kincade, Michael Ray Kincade, Georgia Ann Robertson and Jenny Lynne May, all of Arkansas; twenty five grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Marion and Olga Lee Chapman Hightower; brothers, Thomas O’Conner, Captain George “Chink” Hightower, Captain Calvin E. Hightower and a sister in law, Frankie Clair Hightower. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd. with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Memorial Gardens. Joe lived a life of vision, excellence and passion. He shared his love of music, gospel, country and patriotic songs with family and friends. Joe desired the world a better place than he found it, which is perhaps his greatest legacy of all. In the river tow boat industry, Joe is a revered, respected and renowned pilot and captain and a beloved colleague and friend. He was a Christian and loved our Lord above all. Online condolences may be made at www.memphisfuneralhome.net