Carl S. Highsmith, Jr. age 80, of Valle Crucis, passed away Friday, January 13, 2023, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born July 8, 1942, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. A son of the late Carl and Mary Pittman Highsmith.

He is survived by his wife Melina Byrd of Valle Crucis, one daughter, Mary "Abby" and fiancée Joe Bertone of Wilmington, one brother, Joseph Highsmith and wife Kathleen of Lincolnton, one sister, Mary Elizabeth Butler of Charlotte, and one special nephew, Tristan Highsmith and wife Jamie and their daughter, Emma, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, January 18, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Byrd Cemetery. Pastor Gordon Noble will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00, prior to the service. The family respectfully request no food.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude's at www.stjude.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the Highsmith at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.