T. O'Neal Hightower, 66, of Pine Ridge, SC, died at home November 5, 2013. Born December 10, 1946, O'Neal grew up in Denmark, SC. After graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Sciences, O'Neal married Faye Bennett of Orangeburg in 1969, and moved to Lexington, SC.

Former mayor of the town of Lexington (1979-1987), O'Neal died as Vice President of Sales for Carolina Retail Packaging. In between he worked in a range of positions in funeral homes, was Director of Microfilm for the Department of Mental Health, owned the Hiben House antique store with his wife Faye, and did interior design and auctioneering. An avid golfer and excellent carpenter, he was most of all a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.

O'Neal was probably best known, however, for his social nature. An ambitious party thrower with a ready laugh and excellent sense of humor, O'Neal was friend to everyone he met.

Surviving O'Neal are his wife, Faye Hightower; his mother, Nell Hightower; two sons, Anthony Hightower and Marcus Weaver-Hightower; his daughter in law, Rebecca Weaver-Hightower; and his two grandchildren, Harrison and Evelyn Weaver-Hightower. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Hightower and father, Tommy Hightower.

The funeral service for O'Neal will be held 3 o'clock, Thursday, November 7th at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dr. Patrick W. Riddle, the Rev. Dr. Dennis R. Bolton, and the Rev. Andy Hunter officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the Church Parlor beginning at 2 o'clock. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Building Fund, 119 N. Church St., Lexington, SC 29072, or to the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, memo: Cancer Care Program, 2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169.