Kenneth Hilton Lippard, Sr.

The greatest man we ever knew…the man we thought would never die… Kenneth Hilton Lippard, Sr., our “Rock,” our “Superman,” slipped, unexpectedly, from our earthly presence into the Heavenly presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday evening, January 24, 2016, at Autumn Care Rehab. He has now joined his beloved wife, Elsie, and together they are singing “Amazing Grace” once again! Kenneth was born on April 18, 1923, and was the second child of eleven born to John Hobbs and Estelle Robbins Lippard. He attended Troutman schools, and though he never held a college degree, he graduated with honors in his own right as a Master Carpenter. His crafting skills were endless! He was always creating…making something from nothing.

As a young country boy, he loved hunting, fishing, and especially swimming at the ole’ Brown’s swimming hole. He was employed by Statesville Throwing Mill and later West Construction Company until Uncle Sam called him for military duty in 1943. On June 13, 1942, he married the love of his life, Elsie Mae Blankenship in York, SC and enjoyed nearly 72 years of marriage! At age 19, he left for WWII on March 27, 1943 and proudly served his country in the Army until November 10, 1945. His was a dedicated generation, known as the “Greatest Generation,” that will never be forgotten. Pfc. Lippard of Company G, 13th Infantry fought in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, and his military occupation was carpentry and cooking. Many of his cooking skills were honed in the Army. Not only could he whip up many dishes, but he could make a “mouth-watering” pound cake that couldn’t be beat! Upon discharge from the service, Kenneth returned home and was employed in construction before he transitioned into being sole proprietor of Lippard Building and Remodeling Company. His son, Barry, was honored and privileged to have worked under his dad and by his side for almost twenty-five years and to have been taught the skills of a true master carpenter. Not only did Kenneth take pride in building custom homes and renovations, he and Elsie both took pride in building a home for their three sons that was filled with love with Christ at its center. Their sons often mention that their life growing up was like that of the “Leave it to Beaver” and “Andy Griffith” days! This legacy is cherished by their grandchildren as well.

As a young boy, Kenneth attended Bethel Baptist Church and became a Christian as a teenager. Also, he and Elsie were faithful members of Front Street Baptist Church having joined in February of 1951. Kenneth loved the Lord with all his heart and his church family as well. He served the church and his Lord as a deacon, Sunday school teacher of the Intermediate Boys’ Sunday school class, and head usher for many years. He was a member of Front Street’s building committee when its 1957 educational building was constructed, and he chaired the building committee when Front Street’s new sanctuary was erected in 1973. He was also a member of the Loyal Soldiers Sunday school class where there were often handshake battles of who had the strongest grip. Of course, Kenneth held the uncontested title!

Our “Papaw” was nicknamed “Toon” as a young fellow and was known to others as “Colonel.” His word was his bond. Friends and extended family have commented recently that Kenneth was “one in a million” and that “a lot of love went to Heaven” when he passed. He had a great “mustard seed” faith and because of his determination and tenacity, he went “full force” at all times. He taught us many life lessons and for us to take note that “the simple and oft times the best things in life, money can’t buy,” and that “wherever you go, self goes with you”…his way of saying, represent yourself well! On a lighter side, Kenneth was a fan of the “Wheel of Fortune” game show, and an even greater fan of Vanna White!

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Elsie, on February 28, 2014, his granddaughter, Dolynda Lippard, his brothers, Jack, Gene, and Sonny Lippard, and his sisters, Helen L. Sherrill and Joann L. Danner.

Kenneth dearly loved and was so very proud of his family. Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Kenneth Hilton Lippard, Jr. and wife, Nancy (Call) of Statesville, Barry Lynn Lippard and wife, Kim (York) of Troutman, and Stanley Charles Lippard and wife, Kim (Wilson) of Statesville; his ten grandchildren, Anita L. Taylor and husband, Todd, Kenny Lippard, III, Adam Lippard and wife, Brandi, Cory Lippard and fiancée, Christy, Beth Anne L. Campbell and husband, John, Luke Lippard, Aron Lippard and wife, Sarah, Rhett Lippard and fiancée, Rachel Gobble, Mary Charles Lippard and fiancé, Patrick McConnell, and Landon Lippard; his great-grandchildren, A.J. Taylor, Nick Taylor, Addison Lippard, Brock Lippard, Kenslee Lippard, Elin Campbell, Brantley Lippard, and baby-to-be Lippard (Aron and Sarah’s…due July 31). He is further survived by his four sisters, Velma L. Kelley, Martha L. Williams, Betty L. Holdsclaw and husband, Bill, Vivian L. Eades and his brother, Danny Lippard and wife, Linda, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mr. Lippard will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 31, at Front Street Baptist Church. The service celebrating Kenneth’s life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Stutts officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with full military rites……………… The Rev. Charles Williams, nephew of Kenneth, will officiate.

Active pallbearers will be his grandsons, Kenny, Adam, Cory, Luke, Aron, Rhett, and Landon Lippard.

Memorials may be made to Front Street Baptist Church, 1403 W. Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. James Foushee and staff for their love, care and support of Kenneth for many years. Thanks also to the staff of Iredell Memorial Hospital and the rehab/nursing staff at Autumn Care of Statesville for the love and care shown to him during his stays. He made many new friends, and you made his days so much brighter! To the Hanger Clinic, we appreciate Brad and Scott’s positive attitudes in their support of Kenneth. Also, a big “thank you” to Johnny Hall who has been Kenneth’s personal grounds-keeper!

“You know, every time I look in the mirror I see my Dad, No matter how hard I try…no matter how many tears I cry…no matter how many years go by…I still can’t say good-bye…” Dad, we had high hopes to bring you back home, but the Lord had a better plan for you, so He took you to His Home! We just cannot say enough good things about our dad and papaw! Papaw would always welcome you to his house by saying, “Come on in the house and sit for a while.” In good times or bad, he’d smile and simply say, “The good Lord has walked beside me every step of the way!” Now, he beckons you to come to his Father’s house where he is saying, everything is “MIGHTY FINE!”

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Lippard family.

“Now, everything is “Mighty Fine!”-Kenneth Lippard