Gerald A. “Jerry” Tipton, 84, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Blairsville, Ga.
He was a native of Topeka, Kan., and lived in Orlando, Lakeland and Brandon, Fla., before moving to Murphy in 1993.
He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force.
Jerry retired in 1988 as manager of Transoceanic Freighting Services of IMCC in Tampa, Fla.
He was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and a church quartet. He was also a long-time member of the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony Barber Shop Chorus in Tampa.
Jerry loved playing tennis, practicing carpentry and studying the Bible.
He was the son of the late William and Elva Rich Tipton. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Lyles Tipton; three sisters; and seven brothers.
Surviving are his wife, Joyce Bundy Tipton; two daughters, Deanna Campbell and husband Bill of Milton, Ga., and Carol Foster and husband Brad of Lenexa, Kan.; a stepdaughter, Michele Armesto and husband Alberto of Woodbridge, Va.; a son, Allen Tipton of Cranford, N.J.; a stepson, Martin Armbrester and wife Maria of Maryville, Tenn.; a sister, Mildred Wray and husband Charles of Topeka, Kan.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, followed by a reception at Murphy First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Tanner officiating. Pallbearers will be Walker Rowland, Larry Parrish, Larry Moyer, Danny Waters, Steve Hatfield and Fred Heath. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Fellowship 1 Sunday School class, Men’s Bible Study and Men’s Ministry.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Ivie Home Funeral Home, Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Gerald A. “Jerry” Tipton to Murphy First Baptist Church, 517 Hiwassee St., Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.