Dr. Robert Hightower, a man whose life was defined by strength, tenacity and perseverance, transitioned home to be with his heavenly father Jan. 12. Dr. Hightower was 95.
Born Aug. 3, 1930, in Yelvington, Florida, Dr. Hightower was raised in Ormond Beach with his seven siblings. At the age of 16, he received salvation and dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. The following year he moved to New York, accepted his call to the ministry and began pastoring his first church.
Dr. Hightower was a trailblazer with an anointing to start and plant churches. He established the first Church of God by Faith church in New York, which continues today. The original church was opened in Rochester in 1950, followed by a second in Buffalo in 1951 and a third in Syracuse in 1953.
Dr. Hightower later relocated to Chicago before moving to Sacramento, where he established the Sacramento Revival Center under the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) organization, in which he was licensed and ordained. He continued his ministry within the COGIC for the remainder of his 78 years in ministry.
Pastor Hightower was remarried to Mamie Strickland on Dec. 30, 1988, and established The Word Church in Ceres. He subsequently became the senior pastor at Peace Church of God in Christ, serving there alongside his wife until her passing. He continued to lead the church until his transition.
Beyond his ministerial accomplishments, Dr. Hightower was a successful real estate broker for more than 50 years, working for Century 21 and his own company, Hightower Reality. An avid learner, he earned a doctorate in theology at age 75. He also held various professions throughout his life, including professional barber, painter, golf caddy, hotel cook, high-rise construction worker, and chemical plant worker. He recently was pursuing certification as a notary public. He dedicated more than 30 years to serving his community in Modesto and Ceres and served for several years as a volunteer chaplain for the Modesto Police Department.
Loved ones say Dr. Hightower embodied the spirit of the scripture Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint.”
Dr. Hightower’s legacy continues through his 14 children, two stepchildren, 37 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.A viewing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Peace Church of God in Christ, 7812 Monterey Ave., in Ceres, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.