Hughie Gene Hightower, 85, of Pocahontas passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Hughie was born August 21, 1935, in Saddle, AR to the late Thomas J. and Cora Alice Bailey Hightower. He was a veteran of the Army, a deacon at First Baptist Church, and a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and Order of the Eastern Star. Hughie was an elementary teacher in the Pocahontas School District and a barber at the Sanitary Barber Shop.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Cora Hightower; four brothers, Harold, Wilburn, Frank, and Ray Hightower; three sisters, Isophene Hightower, Mary Rexroat, and Marie Cherry.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Holobaugh Hightower of the home; step-son, Scott (Charlotte) Rogers of Jonesboro; brother, Loyd (Careita) Hightower of Marion; nephews, Jerry Cherry of Springdale and Dennis (Paula) Holobaugh of Wichita Falls, TXl; niece, Debbie Holobaugh of Lowell; and many friends.

Visitation will be Friday, July 9, 2021 from 10-11 AM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 11 AM with Eric Moffett officiating. Burial with military honors and Masonic rites will follow in Masonic Cemetery.

Deacons of First Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Willard Winebaugh.