Woodrow Wilson Tipton, 94, of Hazen, was born May 9, 1924 to John Adolphus and Burlie Lee Tipton and he passed from this life January 3, 2019 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Woodrow was the baby of 17 children. Woodrow married Velta Bridges in 1943 and they were the parents of two daughters, Trudean and Huberta. Trudean was nearly 14 months old before he saw her for the first time because he was in active duty with the Navy during World War II.
Woodrow later married Maxine Baxter and they were the parents of five children; Woodrow lost the love of his life, Maxine after 43 years of marriage.
Woodrow served as Prairie County Justice of the Peace on the Quorum Court for 44 years. Woodrow was a faithful member of the White River Lodge #37 for 53 years where he was a Master Mason and a faithful member of the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and guitar player.
Woodrow was preceded in death by his parents; 16 siblings; 2 wives; 1 grandchild; 2 son-in-laws; and many other family members.
He is survived by 7 children, Trudean Tedford, Huberta D”Auteiul, Dennis Tiipton and wife, Diane, Vickie Van Kleef and husband, Bill; Ronda Mashburn and husband, Ricky, Elizabeth (Libby) Teague and husband, Robert; Jimmy Tipton and wife, Christy; 17 grandchildren, ( Anthony, deceased) Lisa, Crystal, Todd, Tracy, Jeramie, Carmen, Blake, Cara, Callista , Bryce, Heather, Heidi; Cheri, Sydney, Myles and Madeleine; 25 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 4, 2019 at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 3:00 P.M. at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will be in the Walter’s Chapel Cemetery.
WOODY WAS A GREAT MAN AND WILL BE MISSED. MY THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS TO MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY.
JOE ADAMS
Mr. Woody was one of a kind. Always a smile for anyone he met, a devout Christian man and anyone who knew him, loved him. He will be so missed. Prayers for his family during this difficult time.
A distinguished and decorated veteran of WWII, an elected public servant for over 40 years, an influential member of a civic organization for over 50 years, a successful farmer, an active and devout member of his church, a loving husband and father, a talented musician, a friend who greeted all with a smile–Mr. Woody Tipton wore many hats during his long life and he wore each hat well. Born during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, Mr. Woody’s long life influenced countless others. To say that he will be deeply missed is obvious. But his legacy and influence will continue. I was privileged to be his mailman for eleven years, from 1996 to 2007. It was a highlight of my day to get to see and talk with Mr. Woody. He had an encouraging word and an infectious smile to brighten
the day of anyone he met. May God bless his wonderful family. Our prayers of sympathy continue. Billy and Gail Booth