Jimmy Dale Lipford, 80, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital after an extended illness.
Mr. Lipford was born in Butler, Tenn., on October 27, 1934. He lived most of his life in Carter County. Most will remember his ownership of several service stations and his many friends associated with drag racing and participation in Rod Runs.
He and his brother Howard built most of the homes in Crowe Bottom in the Valley Forge Community. He loved the Tennessee Vols and spending time with his grandchildren. He attended First Freewill Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Oscar and Lucy Matherly Lipford, he was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Patricia Rose Lipford; a sister, Blanche Johnson; and his brothers, Howard and Ray Lipford.
Survivors include his daughters, Lisa Pilkington and husband John, and Stephanie Nave and husband Kenneth; his sister, Charlotte Williams; a niece, Betty Jo Greene; and his grandchildren, who were the loves of his life, Matt and Conner Nave. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A visitation period will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. A service to honor the life of Mr. Lipford will be conducted at 7 p.m., following the visitation on Tuesday. Rev. Nathan Jennings and Rev. Jack Lloyd will officiate and music will be provided by Grady and Alicia Holder. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Johnny Honeycutt, Danny Williams, Dennis Berry, Doug Deloach, Tony Greene, Joe Hyder and Edwin Alexander. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Lipford, Steve Sorrell, Dr. David Fenner and Bob Strickland. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David Fenner, those at Hillview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Sycamore Shoals Hospital and Christy and Brian Williams. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to First Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund, 706 First Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or the American Heart Association, 3101 Browns Mill Road, Johnson City, TN 37604. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Lipford family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.