Aubrey Lee Highfill

Mr. Aubrey Lee Highfill, 81, of Lewisville, NC, weary from over a decade of fighting Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, went home to be in the immediate presence of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. ""Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling: Come home, come home, ye who are weary come home."" Aubrey was born on August 1, 1935, to the late Charles and Erma Highfill in Pleasant Garden, NC. He spent his early years like most boys of the time period, working in the family business, climbing trees and using his imagination to create. Throughout these early years, his desire for knowledge took root. At age 18, he joined the United States Army where he rose to the level of Sergeant First Class, serving on the Honor Guard, working as an Infantry Communications Specialist and teaching and training other service personnel. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and is a member of American Legion post 522. Aubrey's communications training in the Army led to employment in Winston- Salem, NC, where he met the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Patsy Ann Eubanks. They married in 1957 and began a wonderful life filled with happiness, love and devotion to one another. The couple gave birth to two daughters, Leigh Ann and Melanie. Education at Wake Forest University and the University of Alabama rendered a BBA and an MBA with a career beginning in banking. Later, a CPA was acquired and Aubrey launched a private accounting practice. His love for helping and consulting people through financial questions were only surpassed by his continued passion for teaching. Aubrey taught throughout his life at several colleges and universities becoming an associate professor in the accounting department at High Point University. Lean, fit and athletic for most of his life, Aubrey participated in several sports including boxing, tennis, and his great love, soccer. He was a coach, trainer, and referee for club soccer in midlife. Later during his illness, one of Aubrey's great joys was watching US Championship Soccer competitions with his oldest grandson, Garrett. After retirement, Aubrey enjoyed gardening, reading, writing and traveling with his other grandchildren, Aubrey and Jacob. In keeping with Aubrey's loving and generous spirit and passion for education, it was his decision to donate his body so that medical professionals could learn from his disease in hopes that a cure may be found. Aubrey is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Leigh Ann Leinbach (Michael) and Melanie Shamel (Carl); his three grandchildren, Garrett Hatfield (Ariel), Aubrey Shamel, and Jacob Leinbach. The family wishes to thank the medical professionals at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and his team at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8001. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. ""Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"" 1 Corinthians 15:57. Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Highfill. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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