top of page

STAYING THE COURSE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

by Dave Friant



Fortunate am I to have visited with an extraordinary couple for this interview and article. Instructions were to find a 50+ years of marriage duo who would provide an encouraging story of devotion and keys to happiness during the latter stretch of a lifetime.

They were born and raised in the general surrounds of Keller, Texas. Tracy Hightower is 86 years of age who met his four years younger spouse, Joyce, during a high school homecoming dance. Tracy’s brother was in a class with Joyce. “We’ve been dancing ever since,” says the female side of the ledger. The two dated for “about six weeks” before getting married on December 3, 1960. There was an instantaneous attraction between the two. Joyce and Tracy currently take dance lessons weekly together and have enjoyed Country-Western, Ballroom, Swing, and Latin dancing at varying times throughout their 64 (yes, that’s s-i-x-t-y f-o-u-r) years together.

The Hightowers have resided in their Haltom City home for 45 years. The two parented three children. Provided for enjoyment and exchanges of love over the years for these exceptional folks are eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. All but two live within an hour of Haltom City.

After graduation from college and two years in the Army, Tracy worked for Bell Helicopter for 42 years before setting aside his tools of the trade in 2008. Playing softball for the Fort Worth Senior Cats and the Dallas Dawgs, along with coaching women’s softball, occupied a sizeable portion of his leisure time over the years. He and Joyce have bowled together in senior adult leagues for a dozen years. Additionally, recreational and competitive running for various distances have been a part of Tracy’s life over his employment and retirement years. He and Joyce are active in their local church and remain involved in a variety of volunteer activities. The two very much enjoy being with family through a variety of activities, to include several cruises over the years.

Joyce was employed in sales and advertising during her professional years, specifically for Budget Rent-A-Car, Gillette, and Winn-Dixie. In conjunction with her intense desire for hoofing it around all parts of the country in specialty footwear, she additionally worked part-time for a running shoe store. She currently scampers on pavement recreationally six days a week (with Tracy three of those days) and competitively a half-dozen or so times yearly. Road races of varying lengths have been a part of Joyce’s activities since 1978. Full-fledged marathons (32 to date. . . no, not a misprint) at New York, Boston, Chicago, Hawaii and other locations have been a part of those pursuits to finish lines. Joyce and Tracy plan to compete in a Carlsbad, California 5K run with three additional generations of their family in 2025. The two have been a part of National Senior Games (ages 50 and above) running events since 2019. Both are qualified for a variety of Senior Games running events again in 2025. The Games will be held in Iowa.

Joyce is passionate about what goes through her mind during the sometimes hours long treks on the not-always-easy-on-the-feet surfaces. “I find myself committing to prayer during a selected stretch of the competition. An example would be mile five for a family member in need. Or mile eight for a church friend facing some difficulty in life. It gives me peace,” says the female portion of the union. She finds comfort in Tracy always being in support of her efforts.

Okay. Special couple. Still very active in their “senior years.” So what’s the deal? What are some rudders/tidbits of wisdom that keeps this ship afloat?

Both are committed to living out their Christian faith. As indicated by Joyce, “Our Lord is number one in both our marriage and our lives.” Her relationship with Tracy “grows stronger year after year, becoming closer as we come across and handle some dips in the road from time to time. He is my security as we address them together,” says Joyce. Tracy emphasizes the vital importance of family and “talking things out” when stressful matters arise. He adds, “we take those years ago vows very seriously. For better or for worse is a commitment.”

Joyce views relationships and friendships as “absolutely important. That is how you survive. Running buddies, church friends, and bowling friends become like family. You feel comforted when you realize you can rely on each other and face challenges together.” Each enjoy the senses of humor brought forth into their marital relationship. The role of laughter during stressful times makes recoveries much easier.

As noted in their favorite Country Western song, “Stuck Like Glue” composed by Sugarland, the two feel comforted when considering the lyrics, “You and me, baby, we’re stuck like glue.” With the many plusses and occasional hardships associated with a 60 years-plus marriage, Joyce indicates with her joyous smile, “it gets better year after year.”

Their love for each other is obvious. Worthy of being emulated by those who know them. Staying active. Interacting with family and friends during the good times. Burden-sharing with the handling of unpleasantries. Remaining upbeat in both with daily guidance from the Lord. Sounds like a worthwhile approach to life at any age.

4 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


bottom of page