Obituaries

Clifford C. Hightower Sr., 88, of Maryville, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at the Mountain Home VA Hospital in Johnson City.  Cliff, also affectionately known as “Bus,” was a proud U.S. Army veteran, who served 21 years for his country. He served two tours in Vietnam, along with a tour in Korea at the tail end of the Korean Conflict. Upon retiring from the Army, he spent another 20-year career in the U.S. Postal Service.  During his time in service, he also served in Germany and Alaska and would fondly recollect his years there, as well as his time in Texas. Cliff was born in Maryville, Tenn., on a farm with his nine other brothers and sisters. He and his closest and older brother, Jimmy, would later join the Army, changing their lives.  Cliff loved to work with his hands, constantly tinkering with his tools in his garage in Maryville. He loved working on cars until he could physically no longer do so. He was a generous man, who donated to causes he loved and valued.  He was preceded in death by his first wife of 13 years, Dinora, and his second wife of 44 years, Barbara.  He is survived by sons, Clifford Hightower Jr. (Jama), Danny Hutsell (Misty) and Terry Hightower. Daughters, Julie Gilardi (Bob), Vonnie Shelton, Rosezitta Rathbone (William), Sharon Travis and Kay Wilson (Calvin).  He is also survived by grandchildren Carolina Hightower, Kellen Hightower, Bobby Gilardi (Anjuli), Amber (Eric), Daniel Shelton (Kecia), Brandon Shelton, Jada Shelton (Marc Carr Sr.), Daniel Hutsell, Zach Hutsell, Ava Husell, Savannah Hunt, Kara Bradshaw (Ernest), Ryan Murr (Makenzey), Rachel Logan Garrett (Tyler), Eric Lones, Lance Travis and Terrence Hightower.  Great grandchildren include: Alina, Asher, Robbie Gilardi, Mathison Gilardi, Vera Gilardi, Madison Shelton, Sariah Shelton, Rivers Shelton, Marc Carr Jr., Harper Bradshaw, Emory Bradshaw, Charles Garrett and River Garrett.