Ronald A. "Ron" Tipton

Ronald “Ron” A. Tipton, age 80, of Winder, GA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after an extended illness. Ron was born on November 16, 1945, in Gainesville, GA. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Alvin and Helen Tipton, and brother, Lamar Tipton.

Ron married Carolyn Pethel on August 30, 1964, and they celebrated over 61 years of marriage. They built an amazing life together filled with unconditional love and endless laughter. He was a devoted father to daughter Marcy Martin and son Matt Tipton (Tonya). He was also the very proud grandfather to Bailey “Bay” Martin, Lane Martin, and Hannah Tipton. Ron’s family brought him immense joy especially during the times they could all be together.

Ron was a proud US Army veteran who deeply loved his country. He served active duty as a military policeman in Vietnam and appeared in Time Magazine in October 1967 during a protest at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

He dedicated his work career to providing for his family. He made sure they always had the best of everything. Outside of work, he enjoyed music, golf (at one point in his life a scratch golfer) dining at restaurants and trips to Hilton Head Island, SC. Ron was someone who built a quick connection with people and loved to get a good laugh. He had a knack for quoting random movie lines or music lyrics whether you knew them or not. Ron will be remembered as one of the good guys.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home, 755 Atlanta Highway, SE, Winder, GA. The family will receive friends from 4pm - 6pm.