Virgil E. Nipper Sr.

Born on July 1, 1928 in Nashville, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Waddell Nipper, by his parents, Walter R. Nipper, Sr. and Josephine (Walkup) Nipper. He is survived by sons, Virgil E. “Skip” Nipper, Jr. (Sheila) and Rev. James W. Nipper (Mary Alice); sisters, Ansel Bell and Connie Mabry; brother, Charles Nipper; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, extended family, foster children, and friends.

Raised in Nashville, “Nipper” was a graduate of North High School. He managed Palace Clothing Company in downtown Nashville before beginning his sporting goods sales career in 1961 when he joined his father-in-law’s sales agency, Jack Waddell & Sons. He and son Skip formed Virgil Nipper Co. in 1976, a manufacturer’s representative agency in sporting goods. He retired in 2000.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he loved to sing solos. He was elected to the Nashville Old Timers Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

The family wishes to thank special friends Margaret Garrett, Anna Burke, the staff at Life Care in Old Hickory, residents and staff at Rutland Place, and all those who offered their prayers and support in recent weeks.

Visitation with the family will be at Hermitage Funeral Home on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 3:00 until 6:00 pm, and also at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 9:30 until the time of service.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 11:00 am with Pastor Rick Roberts officiating.

Interment will follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Jake Brons, Doug Nipper, Chris Nipper, David Nipper, Shane Wilcox and Clint Estep. Joe Casey, Odell Binkley and the board members of the Nashville Old Timers Baseball Association will be honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 3259 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 or the Nashville Old Timers Scholarship Fund, c/o Rip Ryman, P. O. Box 643, Goodlettsville, TN 37070.