Wendell I. Tipton, Jr.

Wendell I. Tipton Jr. Was born April 5, 1926 in Knoxville, TN. He passed away September 10, 2025. He graduated from West End High School in 1944. He then joined the Army and served in France and Germany. In 1960 he opened Tri State Marketing, where he worked until he retired.

He was a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Mr. Tipton was called to active duty during the Korean war and served for two years. As a proud veteran he was a 42 year member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Donelson Jaycees. He also served two terms as president of Train Collectors Music City Chapter.

Mr. Tipton is survived by his daughter Michelle T. Searcy, stepchildren Rick (Becky) Hill and stepdaughter Susan (David) House; grandchildren Jamie Lee (Ryan) Guess, Eric (Jake) House, Tyler (Andrea) House, Bethany (Kenny) Cooper and Jeremy (Sierra) Hill; great grandchildren Roman and James Guess, Kollynns and Josie House, Aiden and Teddy House; also his extended family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Wendell I Tipton Sr. and Winnie Nichols Tipton; sister Carolyn (Joe) Curley; his wife Betty Rhinehart Tipton and long time companion Patricia Fisher Hill.

Gathering of family and friends Tuesday September 16th from 4:00-8:00pm at Hermitage Funeral Home and on Wednesday September 17th from 10:00-11:00am. Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00am in the Tulip Grove Room at Hermitage Funeral Home. Burial following Hermitage Memorial Gardens.