James "Big Daddy" David Hightower

James David “Big Daddy” Hightower, 80, of St. Simons Island, departed this life Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Senior Care Center in Brunswick, Georgia. The Family will receive friends from 10 AM until 11AM prior to the Celebration of Life which will be conducted at 11am Thursday, October 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral home with Pastor Britton Johnston and Blake Hightower officiating.

Born March 18, 1942 in Griffin, Georgia to the late Otis and Martha M. Hightower. He was a graduate of Griffin High School Class of 1960, a graduate of Middle Georgia College, and also a Veteran of The US Navy serving on the USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier that recovered GEMINI 3 with astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young after splashdown. After release to inactive duty from the military, he worked in the manufacturing industry and retired as Vice President of Manufacturing with Burlen in Tifton, Georgia.

Mr. Hightower enjoyed music and singing and participated in many civic organizations throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathy Hightower and Betty Floyd and husband Argin.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jerry M. Hightower of St. Simons, three children, David Hightower and wife Wendy of St. Simons Island, Jamie Hightower and wife Valerie of Morganton, NC, and Brett Hightower of Moultrie, GA, nine grandchildren, Blake, Kaitlyn, Beau, Lindsay, Peyton, Major, Hallie, Pearce, and Anna Kate, a brother, Bobby Hightower and wife Linda of Cleveland, GA, many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday morning from 10 am until 11 am at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. www.edomillerandsons.com