Bobby Joe Pippin

Chief Bobby Joe Pippin, USN, retired of Tifton, died suddenly in his wife’s arms at their home on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 and went on to be with the Lord Jesus whom he Loved very much. His mission was making and having made Jesus crosses for almost twenty- nine years to be placed on back windows of automobiles.

Funeral services will be held in Eastside Baptist Church, Saturday, December 2nd at 2:00pm. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:30pm before the services in the church. Rev. Keith Norris and Rev. Dan Edison will officiate with burial to follow at Oakridge Cemetery with full Military Honors. Taps will sound at the end of the service.

Deacons of Eastside Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Victory Sunday School Class.

Mr. Pippin was born February 25, 1936 in Roan Mountain, TN. He was the son of the late Frank A. and Marie Elmore Pippin of Elizabethton, TN. Also, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Barbara Ann Cromer Pippin of Tifton and by one brother Jack D. Pippin of Elizabethton, TN.

Mr. Pippin volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy at the age of seventeen during the Korean War. He advanced in rank to Chief Petty Officer retiring after serving twenty years. He spent many years on ships at sea, visited many countries and two tours at war in Vietnam as a member of the Special Operations Forces. This force was made up of members of Underwater Demolition Teams. These teams were drafted into the first group of SEALS in 1962 under President John F. Kennedy. His primary duty was to disassemble or blow-up underwater mines, bombs, booby traps, torpedoes and nuclear weapons.

Mr. Pippin is survived by his present wife of twenty years, Mary Ann Parker Pippin of Tifton, a son, Billy Joe Pippin USN Ret. and wife Kris of Lemoore, CA; two grandsons, Brett Pippin, USN, and wife Abigail of Rota, Spain, Justin Pippin of Lemoore, CA; one brother, Sgt. First Class Larey G. Pippin, USA Ret. and wife Chris of Elizabethton, TN; two daughters and son-in-law, Carol Cooper and husband Joe of Lenox, Dana Parker of TyTy. He was a loving grandfather to one granddaughter, Lindsey Walker of TyTy; one grandson Mitchell Walker of Tifton; two of the greatest great grandchildren, Korbyn and Kenzi Miller whom he loved dearly. Last but not least, numerous nieces and nephews all of Tennessee.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.  You may sign the online guest register at www.albrittonfuneral.com