Born in Jesup, Georgia, on December 18, 1932, Thomas was the son of John Hightower (Eva Youmans). From the beginning, his life reflected steady purpose and a quiet strength that showed most clearly in the way he worked, served, and provided for those he loved.
Thomas served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic, bringing care and precision to work that demanded both. He later continued a long career in civil service at NAS Jacksonville, where he dedicated 36 years of faithful service—years marked by reliability, skill, and a deep sense of responsibility.
He was married to Margaret Hightower for 36 years. Together they built a life rooted in commitment and devotion, creating the kind of home defined not only by what was said, but by what was consistently done.
In his personal time, Thomas found joy in the satisfaction of making and building—whether working on houses or motorcycles—and in the quiet pleasures of the outdoors. He enjoyed golf, boating, fishing, and hunting, and he carried into these pursuits the same steady focus and capable hands that shaped the rest of his life.
Thomas is survived by Deborah Wilhelm (Louis Wilhelm), daughter; Sean Wilhelm (Evelyn Wilhelm), grandson; and Margaret Leon, sister. He was preceded in death by Margaret Hightower, wife; John Hightower (Eva Youmans), father; Lori Eunice, sister; Donald Hightower, brother; George Hightower, son; and John Hightower, son.
Visitation will be held at Riverside Event Pavilion, 1373 Memorial Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, US, on September 12, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at Riverside Event Pavilion on September 12, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm.
The family would like to thank Louis Wilhelm for his help with Mr. Hightower’s care and for keeping up with the household while Deborah was taking care of him.
