Earl “Chip” Nelson Tipton, age 79 of Inman SC, finished his journey on earth and moved to his Heavenly Home on August 18 , 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents Wayne E. and Edith Duncan Tipton, a sister Sandra Tipton Styles, and great niece Alicia Grindstaff.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served with the 3rd Marine Division. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Holder Tipton, whom he considered his true love, helpmate and best friend of 60 years. They began their life together in 1965, and throughout all the years even through retirement, one was hardly ever seen without the other. He always considered their marriage to be one “made in Heaven”. They enjoyed their retirement years in Upstate SC near Lake Bowen.
Chip attended Lake Bowen Baptist Church at time of death. He remained a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church and in early years was a member of Windom Baptist Church. He chose not to list any employment, titles, deeds or accomplishments that people may remember by looking back on his life; because he knew in his heart that he did nothing on his own and that everything happened only because of “God’s grace and favor”.
In addition to his wife he is also survived by his daughter, Kimberly Anne Rathburn (Darrell), of Spruce Pine; a granddaughter Allyson Baylis (Dave) of Charlotte; grandson Daulton Rathburn (Cheyenne); great-grandson Dax Barrett Rathburn of Bakersville; two brothers: Tony Edward Tipton (Barbara) and Ricky “Rick” Lane Tipton (Julia); nephews: Adam Tipton (Jenny) and Cody Tipton (Maxine), Nick Tipton and Randy Styles; nieces: Deborah Cox and Alana Willis (Chris); great nephews: Jeremiah Styles, Devon Tipton, Jack Willis and Sam Willis; great nieces: Maren Tipton and Alex Tipton; a special cousin, Susan Jones (Lloyd) and family.
A private graveside service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 23rd in the Pete Young Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by DAV Chapter 57 and family friend Alan Lusk will be presiding over the service. Yancey Funeral Services is assisting the family and a U.S. Marine will play taps.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Burnsville Baptist Church at P.O. Box 38, Burnsville, NC 28714. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
