Barry Hightower, a veteran Alabama-based baseball coach who spent 24 years of his life coaching several high schools, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the untimely age of 59, leaving behind his longtime wife, Tammy, and loved ones.
According to reports, Barry Hightower, who was serving as the head baseball coach at Mary G. Montgomery, died after an almost year-long battle with Stage 4 esophageal cancer.
He was diagnosed with cancer last October and bravely battled for 8 months.
Barry Hightower touched the lives of many students with his amazing coaching skills and his kind and humble nature.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Barry Hightower and extending their heartfelt condolences to his longtime wife, Tammy Barfield Hightower, and son Cooper Hightower during this difficult time.
Barry Hightower and his wife, Tammy Barfield Hightower, were happily married for over three decades, proudly raising their son, Cooper Hightower, a professional truck driver at Five Flags Speedway.
Similarly, Tammy Barfield Hightower, a native of Mobile, Alabama, took to her social media to pay tribute to her late husband, Barry Hightower.
Sharing a beautiful picture of them, Tammy wrote:
“Rest easy now, my sweet husband. I will always love you. You gave it your all in this horrible fight. As I spend these precious moments with you before I will never see you again, know you were loved, as I am reflecting on the kind, gentle, and loving person you were.”
Tammy Barfield Hightower
Barry Hightower also often shared pictures of his longtime wife expressing his love and appreciation for her.
Late Barry Hightower’s Wife, Tammy, is The Official Court Reporter
Tammy Barfield Hightower is thriving in her career as an official court reporter.
Since August 2023, she has been serving as an official court reporter at the 13th Southern Judicial Circuit.
Furthermore, Tammy earned her court reporting degree from Prince Institute of Professional Studies Inc.
Talking about her personal life, Tammy Barfield Hightower was born to her father, Jerry Glenn Barfield, and her mother, Sharin D. Barfield.
Tammy’s father, Jerry Barfield, who passed away on November 17, 2013, at the age of 68, was an army veteran.
Her father served in the US Army as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division, serving in Korea and the Vietnam War.
During his service, Jerry recieved several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and many more.
Furthermore, Tammy has a sister named Kathy Reeves.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Late Barry Hightower was born on March 26, 1966, in Lake City, Florida, to father Lionel Ernest Hightower and mother Phyllis T. Hightower.
- His father, Lionel, an army veteran, served as a volunteer baseball coach with Dothan Leisure Services for 20 years.
- Barry played high school baseball at Northview High in Dothan and was drafted in the 8th round of the 1984 MLB Amateur Draft by the Mets. He played five seasons of minor league baseball.
