John Howard Highsmith OBITUARY

John Howard Highsmith OBITUARY

John Howard Highsmith (called Howard, as is the tradition in the family to go by the middle name), passed away on August 29, 2024. He was born to John Leslie and Rosa Lee (Williams) Highsmith in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from Granby High School and went to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, where he studied Architecture. He worked in sales for IBM before moving to Wilmington, NC to open his own technology business. He remained in the technology arena for the rest of his professional life, in both sales and consulting roles. He is the author of 3 books on sales and business management.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Ann Caldwell, of Hendersonville, NC. He was married for many years to Betsy (Anthony) Highsmith, with whom he had three children: Paige Highsmith Mone’ (granddaughter Amelia), Lee Christopher Highsmith (grandchildren – Gray Patterson Highsmith, John Howard Highsmith, Adam Christopher Highsmith) and Peyton Highsmith Thorell (grandchildren – Elizabeth Carlyle Patterson Thorell (Lisa), Katherine Claire Patterson Thorell (Kaki)). Howard is also survived by his sister, Sylvia Highsmith Teeuwen and husband, Martin, of Williamsburg, Virginia.

He lived in Savannah, Ga., and Bloomfield, MI, but has called NC his home for many years, most recently in Hendersonville.

Howard was an affable person, known for his intensity and his dry sense of humor. He was always keenly interested in technology and continued to work in this area throughout his working life. He loved to play pool and was a bit of a “pool shark”.

After a long battle with heart disease, Howard succumbed to Covid and double pneumonia. He passed away at Elizabeth House Hospice with his wife, Fran, by his side.

A memorial service will be held on September 21, 2024 at 3 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Glendale Springs Rd., Glendale Springs, NC 28629.

Arrangements are being handled through Shuler Funeral Home, 125 Orrs Camp Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792. 828-693-5220.