Lewisburg-Earnie Ray Highlander, 69, passed away Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, at his home in Lewisburg following a long illness.
He was born May 24, 1946, at Fort Spring, a son of the late Johnnie J. and Fannie Louise Arbaugh Highlander.
Earnie was a member of Fairlea International Pentecostal Church of Christ and his childhood church was Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church at Fort Spring. He was in the Coast Guard from 1965-1971.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Rev. Ralph L. Smithson, son-in-law, Michael Gibson and brother-in-law, Timmy Smithson.
He is survived by: his beloved wife of 48 years, Ruth E. Smithson Highlander; daughters, Trish Bragg (Roger) of Ronceverte and Jennifer Gibson of Crab Orchard; grandchildren, Dustin Bragg, Jack Gibson and Megan Gibson; brother, Mitch Highlander (Kathy) of Fort Spring; mother-in-law, Beatrice Smithson of Lindside; brother-in-law, Danny Smithson (Shirley) of Lindside; and sisters-in-law, Martha Boothe (Tommy) of Lindside and Judy Hanks (Earl) of North Carolina; uncle, Lloyd Arbaugh (Alma) of Moses Lake, WA; several dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Fairlea International Pentecostal Church of Christ, where Rev. Earl Hanks officiated. Burial followed in Greenbrier Memorial Gardens in Lewisburg.
Visitation was before the service at the church on Saturday.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
