Thomas James Highlander, age 56, of Alderson, W.Va., passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at home in Williamson, Ga. surrounded by family after a strong 3 year battle with cancer. Born May 5, 1967, in Clifton, Va., he was the son of the late Lyle “Coco” Highlander and Betty Smithson Highlander. Mr. Highlander grew up as a member of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, W. Va. In school, he ran track and played on the basketball and baseball teams. Mr. Highlander graduated from Greenbrier East High School in 1985 and later graduated from West Virginia University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He worked as a Sales Manager with Schwan’s Company for many years. He was an avid fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers Sports teams. Mr. Highlander also enjoyed spending time at the softball fields watching his daughter play, running, painting, and being with his family. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Maria Ortiz Highlander of Williamson, Ga.; three daughters, Yldamarie Turner and her husband, Daniel, of Locust Grove, Ga. and Elizabeth Highlander and Addison Highlander of Williamson, Ga.; granddaughters, Evelyn Turner and Elaine Turner of Locust Grove, Ga.; brother, Jeffrey Highlander of Alderson, W.Va.; mother, Betty Smithson Highlander of Alderson, W.Va.; several cousins; and several nieces and one nephew. Funeral services will be Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, Alderson, W.Va. with Pastor, Jeffrey Kanode, officiating. Burial will follow at the Alderson Cemetery, Alderson, W.Va. Friends may call on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson, W.Va. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeffrey Highlander, Greg Holliday, Neil McClung, John Johnson, Micheal Presock, and Bill Strealy. In the words of Tom Highlander, “Be a lion, not a sheep. Lions don’t take crap from people” and “Go Mountaineers”! To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our floral store. Source: Lobban’s Funeral Home - Alderson, W. Va.