Nathaniel Thomas Hightower, III

Augusta, GA - Tom Hightower, 70, of Augusta, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2017 after a brief but hard fought illness. Growing up in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Tom excelled in sports, particularly football. Tom later attended the University of Tennessee where he graduated with a degree in Nuclear Engineering, with High Honors. As a student he interned with NASA. After graduation Tom moved to Augusta and began a 47 year career with Savannah River Site.

Tom’s love of football continued after his move to Augusta as he played for several years on Augusta’s semi-pro team, the Augusta Eagles and rugby. Tom was the consummate sports fan, interested in all sports and loving all things Tennessee. With his quiet demeanor and respect for others’ love of their teams, Tom was always a joy to enjoy a game with.

Besides UT, Tom had three loves in his life: his son Thomas, his wife Saundra, and his dachshund, Smokey – all of whom will miss him greatly.

Tom is survived by his wife, Saundra Jeanne Plunkett, his son, Nathaniel Thomas Hightower, IV, his children’s mother, Sandra Black, brother, Steven Hightower, of Nashville, Tennessee, and several nieces and nephews. Tom is predeceased by his mother Margaret Frances Hall Hightower, father Nathaniel Thomas Hightower, Jr. and brother David Hightower.

The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, January 3, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Interment will immediately follow at Westview Cemetery, 2051 Division Street, Augusta, GA 30904.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Catholic Social Services, 811 12th St., Augusta, GA 30901.

A vigil service will be Tuesday evening, 5:30 P.M. and the family will receive friends following from 6:00 until 7:30 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com