Charles Hightower, the first select employee group hourly worker to serve on the board of directors of $437 million PrimeWay Federal Credit Union in Houston, Texas, has passed away.

Hightower, 77, died from a heart attack in his home on March 22, two days after the credit union's annual meeting.

“Charlie was a true friend,” said board chair Ernest Luker. “He was the kind of guy who would give and give and give, but never expect to receive. His passing leaves a huge hole on our board and in our hearts.”

Hightower broke new ground by becoming the first-ever hourly employee of the former Cameron Iron Works, a credit union SEG, elected to the board. He served for 40 years and was instrumental in building relations with communities and members acquired by PrimeWay through its various mergers and acquisitions.

“Charlie made a positive difference in the industry and for PrimeWay,” said Annette Zimmerman, the credit union's president/CEO. “He had such a big heart and was genuinely a good person.”

PrimeWay, organized in April 1937 as Houston Telephone Federal Credit Union to serve the employees of Southwestern Bell in the Houston area, currently serves more than 50,000 members from nine locations in the greater Houston area.

Instant Insights /

PrimeWay Volunteer Charles Hightower Dies: In Memoriam

Related Stories

Recommended For You