William Randolph Hightower

William Randolph Hightower of Greenville passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, January 27, 2015. He was born October 15, 1924 to John Franklin Hightower and Harriet Elizabeth Pittman of Northern Greenville County. After the death of his father in 1934, Randy and two younger brothers lived at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in Greenwood, SC until he entered military service in 1943. A combat veteran of the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division during World War II, he attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal with Bronze Battle Star, World War II Victory Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. After the war he completed his education at Mountain View High School and began a career with Piedmont Industries. He retired as a floor supervisor after forty four years of service to the company. He loved farming and raised cattle with his brothers for many years up at Highland. Even after losing a leg to cancer in 1995, he could be found on his Massey Ferguson tractor, bush hogging on his property. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Wilson Hightower; a daughter, Cynthia Hudson and husband Jim and grandson, Reverend Joseph Taylor Hudson II, all of Greenville; brother Jimmy of Marietta. Predeceased by his parents, six brothers and two sisters. He was a member of Earle Street Baptist Church. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the management and staff of Hope Health & Rehab of Marietta, Dr. Brad Whitney, special caregiver April Blackwell, and others who helped to make his stay more pleasant. A celebration of Randy’s life will be a graveside service on Friday, January 30, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville, SC conducted by the Reverend Dr. Stephen Clyborne. Visitation following the service at the Earle Street Baptist Church Social Hall, 225 West Earle Street, Greenville. Woodlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646-1934; Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina, 4124 Clemson Blvd, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621. www.woodlawn-fh.com