Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA

Obituary For Retd. Major Robert Hightower Sr.

Hightower Sr., Robert age 77, of Atlanta, GA passed September 18, 2020.

Celebration of Life Service for Retired Major Robert Hightower, Sr. of the Georgia State Patrol, will be Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 1:00PM; New Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 1690 Melrose Dr. Atlanta, GA. Pastor Gary Dean, Officiating. Entombment, Westview Abbey. He is survived by his wife Betty Wright (nee) of 58 years; son, Sgt Maj (Ret USMC) Robert Hightower, Jr. (Vickie); daughter, Robin Moses (Ed); and three granddaughters Joy, Jonique, and Edrienna. He is the eldest of five brothers born and raised in Atlanta, and became the first Black Georgia State Trooper in 1970. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Viewing Friday from 3-7PM.

Live Streaming Link: https://youtu.be/m-c36Cqx4tk

Entombment: Westview Abbey, Atlanta, GA

Due to the spread of COVID-19, we are requesting that everyone wear a mask.

Services entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel, (404)-758-1731.

Guest Book

Betty my prayers are with you and your family. Pam Myla and I send you our deepest condolences. Myron Freema

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Our deepest sympathy to you Betty and the family. We were so sorry to hear of Rob's passing, just know we are praying for you all. With Love, in Christ Jesus. The Kimbro Family.

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Betty, You and your family have my deepest condolences. Know that you can call on me at any time (24/7) and I will be there to provide assistance. You two had a beautiful life with beautiful memories that you will always be able to re-play. You'll always be able to have him Again in your memories. Mary B. Kemp

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Praying for strength to the family. Sonya Woods Lowe, Douglass c/o 1980

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With Deepest Sympathy to you Betty and your Family. Charlie Stice

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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God continue to comfort and be with you at all times. Love, Paul & Miriam Smith-Stanley Sr. & Family

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Robin, I was sorry to hear of Major Hightower's death. He was a fine person and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and you when at GSP. My prayers are with you and the family. Love Cathy Malone

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As a native Georgian and retired Marine, it is with profound sadness that my wife and I send our deepest condolences to the passing of Georgia State Trooper Major Robert Hightower Senior. His son, Robert Hightower Junior and I proudly served together on active active in the Marine Corps as Sergeants Major. Throughout my professional career, Major Hightower set the high standard of leadership for all of us as we led young Marines. I can truthfully say I am a better person from Major Hightower's example of a rewarding career spent in public service, serving his community. This weekend, my wife and I will be thinking of the entire Hightower family as they quietly grieve during this challenging moment of their lives. Rest In Peace, Maj Hightower! Harrison and Rocio Tanksley, Sergeants Major, U.S. Marine Corps (retired)

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Betty: My deepest condolences to you and your family. I read the wonderful tribute to your amazing husband in the paper today, and only after the reference to your banking career did I realize that I had worked with you for many years as a client. I still miss working with you, please know I am praying for you at this time of such tremendous loss. Much love, Lisa Loften

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My Sincere, Heartfelt Condolences to Mrs. Hightower and your family. I met the Hightower's while working at Hoosier UMC. Mr. Hightower sat with me on my 1st day visiting the church. We talked about a lot of things but he talked about his career. He was so proud of the opportunities to make a difference in the world. I knew then He was a Giant Man in a small, gentle frame. While talking with him I learned so much more about our history. He gave me visual content of what I read about Dr. King, John Lewis and others in our struggles. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him! I will always remember The Hightowers as a couple that always gave Love to those around them. They exemplified unconditional Love for Christ. God bless you Mrs. Hightower. Thank you for always supporting and loving me. Rest In Peace Mr. Hightower Dee Edmonson

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Deepest condolences to you and your family. Charles A. Blanch and Family

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Our condolences to Robin and family. I became Colonel in 1993 and had the privilege to promote him to Major. He was a great Division Director and was responsible for making many needed improvements. Robert was very respected by his employees, peers, and all the people at the capital. I always considered him a trusted friend and advisor. The Georgia State Patrol was a better place because of Major Robert Hightower. May God bless the Hightower Family. Retired Colonel Sid Miles and Lana Miles.

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I am so sorry to hear of Major Hightower's passing, please accept my deepest condolences. He was the supervisor of the department that I worked in and he was the nicest person to work for. We would often see him reading his Bible and having a moment of prayer. Then he would come out and greet us with 'good morning ladies' to the insurance unit. He was so understanding dealing with an office full of women and their responsibility as working mothers. I'm sure this is a credit to Mrs. Hightower. Please know that my sympathy and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God bless you and your family in this time of grief and sorrow. Cynthia McKeever

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YITB-Brothers of kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

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May you find comfort in God's promise of a resurrection found in his word the bible at Acts chapter 24 verse 15.

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My condolences to Robin and your family. Michele Head FDHS c/o 83

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Betty, I'll always remember Robert as a kind and soft spoken person. I always loved seeing you and Robert together as if you were still dating. I have been praying for you both. May God comfort you, Robert Jr., and Robin throughout this season and forever. Robert will be sorely missed by so many because he was a giving, kind and compassionate person. His soul is with our Heavenly Father and he's at peace now. I love you, Betty. Ruthie Mitchell

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My Pops was my role model, he laid the ground-work for me to be successful and shared the blueprint on how to be successful in life. I'm often reminded of how much I favor him, but more importantly, I also got his passion to excel! He instilled in me from an early age to think for yourself and stand on your own two feet in life. I was taught that "association brings on simulation", one of his favorite sayings...meaning that if you hang around a certain type of folks, you too will eventually pick up their traits. He will never be replaced in my opinion, he can be emulated, but will always be the first African American to wear a Georgia State Patrolman uniform. I won't say good-bye, I will simply say that I will see you at the pearly gates in the not too distance Pops. Much love, Your son Lil' Rob

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We send our sympathy and heart felt prayers to the Hightower Family at this time. Pastor Randolph & Angela Scott

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I never got a chance to meet this great man, but I know of his legend through his son-in-law (Edward). We thank him for his many years of faithful service and for always being a shining example of excellence. - The Pegues Family

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Betty, my condolences to you and your family, may God give you comfort and strength. Your former classmate Carol Jackson May

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Brother Hightower and I worked together in 1971/72 at K-Mart in Atlanta. A man of courage and compassion! Rest In Peace and Condolences to the Family! REST WELL...NER

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My prayers and condolences are extended to the family. A special prayer for his wife. After over 50 years of marriage the love they shared was still visibly evident to others. I always addressed them as the "Love Birds". V. Weaver

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Rest in Peace from Earnest Hawkins PG County MD Police ret #1886 (6th Marines), Louis Winslow 9th Infantry Division, Joe Coaxum 5th Marines from PG County Maryland!!

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My dad attended the 37th Trooper School with Robert. Pops was 684 and Robert at that time 685. My dads in WarmSprings for medical rehabilitation, but really wanted to get a message to his family. I told him I would send it. He said Robert was an Awesome man, good friend. Major Hightower (then Captain) help my dad win a lawsuit against the state for an unlawful order given to him by the higher. Major Hightower was my help(smoke) for getting on with the patrol. Major Hightower set the standard, the 1st of many things but exceeding in all. I've been honored to meet him twice, and watch the interaction of two 37th classmates. Close, tight. A bond that last forever. From both my father and I, we hold your family in our thoughts and prayers.Thank you for allowing him the time to serve with and benefit his fellow Troopers. RIP Major, we have the watch ...

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Robin I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Major Hightower always treated me with kindness and respect and it was a pleasure to work for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and may God bless your broken heart. Beth Monroe Young, Ball Ground, Ga.

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Robert has always been a very faithful person to the members of Hoosier United Methodist Church. He always looked out for the security of our church home. I always was happy to see him because he always asked about my daughter, because she grew up in church. He will be truly missed. It was always Betty and Robert. We will keep you in our prayers.

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Prayers and condolences to the family. Anita D. Rowland, Douglass c/o 1980

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My prayer is that the family will be comforted by God as only He can provide. Major Hightower was a shining example of a parent and a friend. Be proud Robin and Robert and family. Bobby Fuse Americus, Georgia.

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My prayer is that the family will be comforted by God as only He can provide. Major Hightower was a shining example of a parent and a friend. Be proud Robin and Robert and family.

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Betty, my prayers are with you, Rob, Robin and family.. We are family and Sonny was one of my big brothers along with Charles James and Alfonso. I will never forget Sonny! Rest in Peace. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Love, Anita Y. Hunnicutt

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA