Andrew Orlando Highsmith was born on Friday May 20,1977 to Gino and Kathy Lynn Highsmith in Detroit, Michigan.
Andrew was baptized in 1983, at Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church. His spirituality was demonstrated by the way he loved God’s people, and lived his life.
Andrew was a quiet child with a curious mind. He had an early interest in electronics. Andrew’s fascination once led him to disassemble and rebuild the family VCR! He was intrigued by how things worked and did not stop until he figured it out. Therefore, Andrew knew a little something about everything.
Andrew excelled and graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1995. Andrew also earned a Master of Management Degree, with a Cum Summa Laude distinction from Walsh College 2010.
Andrew married his high school love Melissa Ann Ferguson in 1998, and to their delight a beautiful daughter, Drew Gracelynn, was born in 1997. Drew was the apple of her father's eye. They shared a father and daughter bond that was full of love and admiration. Andrew lived a very full life in a short amount of time. He was blessed to see his daughter marry a man he was very fond of, and have a family of her own. Grandson Legend brought a lot of joy to Andrew's life; Legend was his little buddy.
Andrew was diagnosed with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) in 2000. After his diagnosis, Andrew was adamant about his health and took a proactive approach to staying healthy. He never let his illness discourage him from achieving his dreams or living his best life.
Andrew had a passion for fitness and became a Beach Body Live Instructor and Master Trainer. He trained and mentored new instructors and helped current instructors reach new levels.
Andrew also taught a daily 5:15am fitness class at the Dr P. Phillips YMCA. He enjoyed the Fit Club members, and they were the reason he was present and prepared each day. Andrew was committed and dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness goals. Andrew’s approach for motivating new faces in his class was to show that he cared and that they mattered.
He was a popular and well-loved Coach.
In 2003 Andrew, Melissa and Drew planned a family trip to Disney World. ‘The Girls’ as he fondly called them, were excited about Cinderella’s Castle, Blizzard Beach and the awesome rides and shows. However, Andrew was more intrigued with the Disney Magic. The excellence at Disney matched his core values. While there, he took a behind the scenes tour and the dream was born -- to work for Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
That journey first led the Highsmith Family to Athens, Georgia in 2008. Andrew worked in Healthcare Engineering in Athens, with his Disney goal still clearly defined.
In 2010 Andrew accepted a position with Orlando Health in Florida. He was still employed in Healthcare Engineering, but he was extremely excited to be in Orlando, Florida.
Andrew enjoyed his new life and position with Orlando Health and met many great talents. During an afternoon of golf with a colleague, Andrew mentioned his desire to work for Walt Disney World. Andrew’s colleague introduced him to a contact he had at Disney.
In 2013 Andrew became a Disney World Cast Member.
This journey was a 10-year process and was not always easy, but Andrew never gave up. In typical Andrew fashion, he never stopped or rested until his goals were achieved.
Rest easy, Andrew -- your dreams have been fulfilled.
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney
Andrew was preceded in death by his mother Kathy Lynnn Highsmith in 1984 and both his maternal and paternal grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife Melissa, daughter Drew (Dezmund), grandson Legend, his loving father Gino Highsmith (Monica), sisters Kathrine and Mya, brothers James and Michael. Step mother Serena Hale, and a host of other loving family members and many good friends.
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