Jerrel Ray Hightower

Born March 26, 1940 to Charles and Eugenia Hightower in Purcell, OK.

Jerrel Ray Hightower 'Jerry', a loving and gentle man, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 28, 2012 after a brief illness.

Jerry served his nation in both the Air National Guard and the Army and was proud of his veteran's status. As a civilian, he continued to serve the Air Force for 35 more years.

Jerry loved to dance, especially the two-step. He also was a pilot and enjoyed building (and flying) RC model planes and trains. He loved riding his Harley, even riding all the way to Canada and back with dear friends and his beloved wife, Karen.He will be remembered as a hard worker, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Marie; his children, Cheryl Suit (Mike), Jeanette Rainey (Bryan), Jennifer Boring (Will), Jason Waggoner (Carol), Sheila Roth (Mike), Ryan Waggoner; his 11 precious grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kaiser Hospital - Morse for the special care Jerry received.

A Visitation will take place on Wed. May 2 from 3-6p.m. and Funeral Service on Thursday May 3 at 2:30p.m. Both will take place at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento (916) 451-7284. Interment will be private and held on a later date at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jerry's name to the American Lung Association www.lung.org

He will be forever missed and always remembered!