Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada to honor the remarkable life of George David Hightower III, 92, who went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. A private burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends gathered one hour prior to the service on Saturday, Jan. 10, at McKibben and Guinn.
George was born on Dec. 9, 1933, in New Albany, the son of the late George David Hightower Jr. and the late Louise Barbee Hightower. A year after his birth, the family moved to Webb, where he spent his childhood. He graduated from West Tallahatchie High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He then served in France with the United States Army Counter-Intelligence Corps.
Following his military service, George began his career with Humble Oil Company — later Exxon — in Nashville, Tenn. There, he met and later married his wife, Patricia (Trish) Hightower. He continued to advance in his career working as a sales representative/supervisor in East Tennessee, district Manager for marketing in Jackson, Miss., and employee relations coordinator in Memphis, Tenn. In 1973, he established his own business, Hightower Oil Company, which was ultimately based in Grenada, serving various areas in North Mississippi.
George was active in both professional and civic organizations. He was a member and past president of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers Association, and a member of the Mississippi Economic Council and the Mississippi Association of Convenience Stores. Locally, he was a member and past president of the Grenada County Ole Miss Rebel Club, the Grenada County Chamber of Commerce and the Grenada Rotary Club where he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was on the Board of Trustees for the Elizabeth Jones Library and on the Community Board of Directors for Regions Bank. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
George loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the Men’s Sunday School Class at his church. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Ole Miss and followed Ole Miss sports — particularly football — throughout his life. Once he moved to Grenada, he became an avid runner, joining an informal “running club” of neighborhood men several days a week. He and Trish also enjoyed traveling with family and friends. George was a beloved husband, father, brother and friend.
In addition to his parents, his wife of 65 years, Trish Hightower, preceded George in death.
Survivors include, his daughter, Dianne Hightower of Southaven; his son, David Hightower of St. Louis, Mo., and his sister, Ann Hightower of Cordova, Tenn.
Special thanks to Pearlene Liddell, Sherondra Harris and the staff at Olive Grove Terrace Assisted Living.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
