If there was one creation that exemplified the strength, tenacity, and perseverance of this remarkable man of God, it would be the eagle.

Dr. Robert 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.”

On August 3, 1930, Dr. Hightower was born in Yelvington, Florida. He was raised in Ormond Beach, Florida with his seven siblings. At the age of sixteen, he received salvation and dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. The following year, he moved to New York and accepted his call to the ministry at seventeen years old. Not only did he accept his call to ministry, but he also began pastoring his first church in the same year.

Dr. Hightower established the very first “Church of God by Faith” church in the State of New York, which continues to exist today. He was a trailblazer with an anointing to start and plant churches. The first church he planted was in Rochester, New York, in 1950. He later established a second Church of God by Faith church in Buffalo, New York, in 1951, and a third Church of God by Faith church in Syracuse, New York, in 1953.

Dr. Hightower relocated to Chicago and subsequently moved to Sacramento, California, where he established a Church under the “Church of God in Christ” organization. He was licensed and ordained within this organization. He continued his ministry in the Church of God in Christ for the remainder of his seventy-eight years in ministry. Dr. Hightower established the “Sacramento Revival Center” in Sacramento, California, where he resided and raised his family.

On December 30, 1988, in Modesto, California, Pastor Hightower was remarried to Mamie Strickland and he established “The Word Church” in Ceres, California.

Dr. Hightower later assumed the position of Senior Pastor at “Peace” Church of God in Christ in Ceres, California and served alongside his wife, Mamie, until her passing. He continued to serve as the Pastor of “Peace” Church until his transition home when his heavenly father called him to rest on January 12, 2026.

Dr. Hightower achieved both ministerial and professional accomplishments. He was a successful real estate broker for over fifty years, working for Century 21 and his own real estate company, “Hightower Reality.” Additionally, he was a professional barber, painter, and was recently pursuing certification as a notary public. In his younger years, he worked as a golf caddy, hotel cook, high-rise construction worker, and even at a chemical plant.

Dr. Hightower, an avid learner, attained his Ph.D. in Theology at the age of 75. Over the course of his life, he dedicated over 30 years to serving his community in Modesto and Ceres, California. Additionally, he served as a volunteer chaplain for the Modesto Police Department for several years.

Dr. Hightower lived a fulfilling and accomplished life, spanning 95 years. His legacy is preserved through his loved ones: his late wife, Mamie Hightower, and his 14 children and two stepchildren. He also has 37 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on February 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM (10:00 AM viewing). The service will be held at Peace Church of God in Christ, located at 7812 Monterey Ave., Ceres, CA 95307.

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