William Richard Hightower

William Richard "Bill" Hightower, Sr., passed into eternal rest on March 17, 2024. His life began on September 22, 1927, as the cherished son of Richard Alton Hightower and Margaret Ives Hightower.
Bill's educational journey included his time at Porter Military Academy, followed by his studies at Georgia Tech. His patriotic spirit led him to serve in the US Navy during World War II. After his military service, he pursued and completed his degree in Electrical Engineering at the Citadel in 1950.

He joined hearts and life with Lucille "Lucy" Wohltmann Hightower in 1948, celebrating 75 years of marriage until her passing in 2023. His professional career culminated in his retirement from the Charleston Naval Shipyard in 1992, where he played a pivotal role as head of Combat Systems and earned the distinction of being one of the Employees of the Year in 1973.

From the mid 1960’s through the mid 1970’s Bill served on Mount Pleasant Town Council. During that time, he served as Mayor Pro Tem and Commissioner of the Fire Department.

A devout Christian, Bill's life was a reflection of his faith. He dedicated himself to serving others through SC Via de Cristo and was a stalwart member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant for over seven decades. Bill's varied interests included watercolor painting, carpentry, photography, calligraphy, genealogy, computing, and aviation, showcasing his lifelong passion for learning.

Bill's legacy continues through his life partner, Carol Metz Peecksen, his children Liz McMillan (Ken) Isle of Palms, SC, Anne White (Ron) Batesburg-Leesville, SC and Richard Hightower (Deb)Hartsville, SC, his four grandsons, Kirk McMillan (Kaleigh), Sean McMillan (Leann), Matt McMillan (Erin) and Bill Hightower and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church's fellowship hall in Mt. Pleasant, with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 604 Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.