Terry J. Tipps

Terry Tipps entered his earthly life on July 23, 1943 in Alexandria, Louisiana near the Army base where his father was stationed in World War II. The family returned to Tennessee after the war, where Terry grew into a fine young man. He was never far from mischief nor did he ever lack ambition. He earned his pilot’s license before graduating from Madison High School in 1962. Soon after, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served as a flight electrician on the then-largest naval reconnaissance aircraft, the Super Connie.

While serving his country, he discovered his greatest purpose in life when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. As a new believer and during the time he was stationed in Spain, God called him into full-time ministry. A naturally charismatic and outgoing man who never met a stranger, Terry would witness to countless individuals throughout the rest of his life. Sharing his story came as naturally as breathing to him. He never missed an opportunity to share his faith and his love for the Lord. If there ever were a motto to sum up his life’s work it would be to “reach one more for Jesus.”

Terry loved helping people! Any day was made better if he could do something for someone. From stopping to help a stranded motorist to counseling an individual in crisis, he looked for ways to be a servant. His heart and feet were undeniably connected as he put his words into action. He always had time for anyone. His heart for people was evident in everything he did.

He met the love of his life, Naomi, while attending Trinity Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They married on May 24, 1968 after a whirlwind courtship. They began their ministry as evangelists and then missionaries to Mexico. They pastored churches in Springfield,Tennessee, then both Haworth and Mooreland, Oklahoma before returning to full-time missions where they would serve in Spain and with the Assemblies of God World Missions Organization: Global University. Terry earned his BA degree, a goal he had long sought to achieve, while continuing to travel as a missionary. One more church in Hurst, Texas would call him pastor before he would retire from ministry.

He was an absolutely adoring and faithful husband to Naomi, a truly dedicated and wonderful father to Zaneta and Stephen, and the proudest Papi to Terran, Lexie, Grayson, Spencer and Hannah. Amber and Roger were his favorite daughter and son-in-law. He joined his father and mother, Joe and Helen Tipps, sister, Carol and brother, Timmy when heaven’s doors opened and Jesus welcomed him as a faithful servant on March 2, 2019.