William Carlton "Jack" Hightower Jr.

William Hightower, 86, Waverly Growers

WAVERLY -- Mr. William C. "Jack" Hightower Jr. proudly displayed in his home the 12 3/4 pound Bass that he caught in Lake Myrtle Ashton in 1983.

It was a keepsake of his favorite hobby.

"I can remember many fishing trips we went on," said his granddaughter, Tracy Klein of Winter Park.

The retired shop manager for Waverly Growers died of complications of Alzheimer's disease Sunday (Oct. 23, 2005) at Wedgewood ALF in Winter Haven. He was 86.

The lifelong Floridian was born in Belleview on Nov. 11, 1918, and grew up in the Auburndale, Winter Haven area.

He was an Army veteran of World War II, having been discharged from the service just prior to the end of the war. Mr. Hightower received the Bronze Star and the Unit Citation with one Bronze Star.

Mr. Hightower, who was described as a hard-working man, retired from Waverly Growers after more than 47 years of employment. He later worked for Lanier Trucking for 10 years before retiring in his early 80s.

"When he worked for Waverly, he worked on their vehicles as a shop foreman and he worked for Lanier in their parts department," Klein said, noting that her grandfather enjoyed tinkering. She described him as a very quiet, reserved man who loved to play practical jokes.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Waverly.

Mr. Hightower is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Hightower; daughter, Ruby Jean Hightower, Casselberry; son, Jimmie Carlton Hightower, Lake of The Hills; brother, R.B. Hightower, Deland; sister, Robbie Jensen, Melbourne; two grandchildren; one greatgrandchild.

Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales. Services will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or Waverly Baptist Church.