Thomas William Nipper, Sr passed away on May 6, 2020, three weeks before his 97th birthday. Tommy was a graduate of Young High School and attended Carson Newman College and the University of Illinois. He served in the US Navy during World War II in Guadalcanal later as a Sonar Specialist on the USS Agraholm during the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Knoxville where he was a Sunday School Teacher and member of the choir for many years. Tommy was a Master Craftsman as his talent was evident at church, home, family and friends. He was the owner of Deco Decorating Service.
Preceded in death by his wife of 33 years and Mother of his children, Eleanor Hodges Nipper and wife Ruth Wiggington Nipper; parents, John and Carrie Nipper; brother, John (Bonnie) Nipper and sister, Joanna (Joe) Cates.
Survived by wife, Frances Cameron Nipper; children, Kay Bradley (Richard), Ann Bales (Mike), Sue Rollins, Amy Mather (Ken), and Dr. CDR Thomas Nipper (Motomi); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special step-children, Gail Evans, Vicki Violette, Jamie Jones and their families.
Due to the current restrictions related to the Covid-19 Pandemic, friends are invited to come by Berry Funeral Home to sign the guestbook and pay their respects on Friday, May 8, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. A private family service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Woodlawn Cemetery, officiated by Dr. Carter Davis. Services will be streamed live on Berry Funeral Home's Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to First Baptist Church, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, TN., 37920 or to Mission of Hope, P.O. Box 51842, Knoxville, TN 37950.
Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com
