Mr. Hoy Kenneth Tipton, age 71, Church Hill, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, after a courageous fight with heart disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
Mr. Tipton was born April 26, 1952, in Burnsville, NC, to the late Hoy & Mae Higgins Tipton.
He was a proud United States Army Veteran retiring with 20 years of service. Hoy served from 1971 until 1991, doing two tours in Korea, two tours in Germany and proudly serving in Desert Storm. He loved God, his family, and his country.
Mr. Tipton was the owner & operator of his own carpentry business and loved his cattle farm.
In addition to his parents, Hoy was preceded in death by his sisters, Wanda Tipton Wright, and Lois Tipton Ramsey.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Betty G. Miller Tipton; beloved sons, Matthew Tipton (Mary) and Joshua Tipton (Kristina); 4 wonderful grandchildren, Ashley, Samantha, Zachary and Mason; 1 great grandchild, Amarah; sisters, Barbara Tipton Hedrick (Chester) of Burnsville, NC, Dennis Tipton (Linda) of Lexington, NC, and Alan Tipton (Vicki) of Elkton, KY; 2 pets whom he loved dearly, Suzy and Mitzy.
Inurnment services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 16, 2023, at Mountain Home National Cemetery.
A special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff of the Community Living Center (CLC) of James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
06/29/2023
George and Diane Rubiaco
Ken was a great man and a wonderful neighbor. I enjoyed the hard work we accomplished on the Cane River and especially our candid talks. I will miss him so much. My heart goes out to Betty and his family. Betty If you ever need anything, like a set of arms to catch you if you fall (like I did for Ken) please don’t hesitate to call. Love George & Diane
06/24/2023
Ralph "Trip" Higgins
I was one of Kenneth's Lieutenants (1st Platoon Leader) in B Company, 501st Signal Battalion when he became our First Sergeant. We served together before and through Desert Storm/Desert Shield. I have never met a finer man, soldier, and mentor than Kenneth. Of course I always called him "Top" - a term of endearment that I never used for any other First Sergeant in my 27 year active Army career as I never found another that measured up to "Top" Tipton. I will forever cherish my memories and friendship with "Top" and the profound affect he had on me as a young officer when I was learning how to lead Soldiers. My Army career is part of "Top's" legacy as I always carried a part of him in my leadership style - a gift he gave me through watching and following his example. I sincerely offer my most heartfelt condolences on his passing. Kenneth lived a life that had a positive impact on those that knew him and especially those that served with him.
06/12/2023
Mindy Wilkison
He was an amazing man. I consider myself truly blessed that I was able to meet Mr. Hoy and Mrs. Betty. I will never forget our time together and all the laughter we shared. They are truly amazing people that became apart of my family. Sending you all my love. ~ Mindy
Sorry for your loss I grew up with him when they lived in Coxes Creek here in Yancy County Had not seen him in a long time I proud of him for serving in the army
06/11/2023
Carolyn L. Wells
Tipton Family Members,
Although I did not know Mr. Kenneth Tipton, I do know his brother, and I am certain both Kenneth and Alan share many of the same qualities - a quiet nature and the love of other people in their lives. I want to extend to each one of you my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your loved one. I know your hearts are filled with sadness; however, please know many empathize with you and are thinking of you during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Please accept my deepest condolences, uplifting his family in prayer. He was such a great man, he was my First Sergeant (Top) prior to and after Desert Storm and was an incredible leader who took great care of all his soldiers and their families.
Betty I am so sorry praying for you and your family
I’m so sorry! I did not realize Kenneth was so very sick. He came to see Locke and me, and I never dreamed it would be the last time we would visit. He was like family, growing up, hunting and camping with my father, Arnie Pate, and my brother, Jim Pate. Sending my prayers to Ms. Betty and the family ! God give you strength and comfort!
Betty and Josh and Matt,
I am sorry sorry for your loss. He was a great man. Mom and I used to joke years ago about how he would tease Josh and I all the time. Please know that I am just a message away if you need anything. Love you all.
06/09/2023
Eddy & Sheila Lewis
Eddy & I are heartbroken to hear of Ken's passing. We have so many great memories of our times together with ya'll in Germany and Ft Campbell. Sure enjoyed the visits when traveling near your home. We are keeping you & family in our prayers.
Kenneth is my brother and a fine example of a man who dedicated his entire life to the service of his country and family. He was fiercely loyal to both. His legacy can be found in the two fine men he called sons. He taught me a lot about life and what it means to be a good man. I have missed him since he moved from Woodlawn. Rest easy brother. Dennis and I have the watch.
So sorry for your loss.
06/09/2023
Roberta Peterson
So sorry Betty, I never met him but it sounds like he was a very loving husband and father. May God bless you and your family.
Betty, this just breaks my heart. I know you all loved each other dearly! Such great friends in Germany♡♡♡ I am glad he always had you with him. Condolences to the entire family!
