John Fielding Hight Jr.

John Fielding Hight, Jr., 95 years old, of Birmingham, AL passed peacefully to the Lord June 11, 2020. John was born January 12, 1925 to John Fielding Hight Sr. and Lily Claire Hight. He graduated from Gadsden High School in Gadsden, AL in 1941 at the age of 16 years old, at which time he enrolled at Auburn University to study Pharmacy and joined Sigma Nu fraternity.

At the age of 18, John postponed his education to enlist in the United States Navy to serve his country in World War II. He enlisted as a Pharmacist Mate Second Class and traveled to California for training in 1943. After completing his training in San Diego, CA, he shipped out from San Francisco, CA attached to the 1st Marine Division. As part of this unit, John participated in the Invasion of Okinawa on Easter Sunday, 1945. He remained in Okinawa until 1946 when was honorably discharged as a Pharmacist Mate First Class with a Presidential Unit Citation for the bravery of his unit. John remained a part of the US Naval Reserves until 1965.

After returning home from Japan, John enrolled in Howard College, which is now named Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He earned his degree in Pharmacy and became a resident of Birmingham, where he would remain his entire life.

During his time at Howard College John met Catherine Ann Truss, who had just returned home to Birmingham after completing her degree at Auburn University in the summer of 1947. The two were married the following summer of 1948 and settled in Homewood, AL where John worked as a local pharmacist. In the early 1960s, John was ready to strike out on his own and opened High-Kel Drugs, which sat prominently on Highway 31 across from Shades-Cahaba Elementary School. Today, the building is occupied by CVS Pharmacy. High-Kel, complete with a lunch counter, soda fountain, and shopping served as a pillar of the community. Christmas Eve would always find John extending his business hours at the Drug Store, not closing until late into the evening after every last-minute shopper had found the perfect gift. In 1985, John transitioned to Big B Drugs, becoming Vice President of Professional Relations. He retired in 1990 at the age of 65.

While John and Catherine had always been avid golfers, retirement saw them enjoying their long-held membership at Riverchase Country Club and taking many vacations where they could enjoy their favorite hobby. They traveled both at home and abroad, making the most of their golden years. John was also passionate about Auburn University Football and Atlanta Braves baseball. He rarely missed a televised game for either team.

John is survived by his loving wife Catherine, children John Hight (Kay) and Cathy Lee (Roger). Also, his grandchildren Brooke Hight, Merideth Verhine (David), Mary Catherine Colpitts (Patrick), Blair Birmingham (Josh) and Max Lee (Julie) and great grandchildren Jack Verhine, Charlie Verhine, Henry Verhine, Catherine Ann Colpitts, Beau Hight, and Patrick Colpitts.

Visitation services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1:30 at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2:00.