Jerry Wayne Tipton

Jerry was born in Kingsport, TN. He had resided in Atlanta, GA since 1980. He was educated at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree and pursued his MBA from the University of Tennessee. Jerry briefly entered the teaching profession in 1968 before going to work for the Kingsport Boys Club in Kingsport, TN.

It was there he found his calling and made the boys clubs his life's work. After several positions at the Kingsport club, he was promoted to Executive Director, and in 1980 left the Kingsport club to accept a position as Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Jerry served as Executive Vice President before being promoted to President and Chief Professional Officer in 1994. Jerry retired from this position in 2009.

Jerry received the national Professional Excellence Award in 1993. He was named Executive of the Year - Southeast in 1996, and the National Executive of the Year in 1997. In October 2002, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Jerry was inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame in October of 2012.

Jerry was an educator, a brother, an uncle, and friend to those left behind.

Jerry was a caregiver, along with his siblings, for his mother and father in their final years. He was always there when called on by family and friends. He loved art, books, traveling, and had a great wit. Jerry was also a dog lover and kept many dogs by his side during his life.

A graveside service will be scheduled later.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Enoch Ingle Tipton, Jr. and Thelma Ernestine Taylor Tipton, by a sister Donna Kay Wheelock, a brother Dennis Ray Tipton, and a nephew Terry Wayne Wheelock. Jerry is survived by two brothers, Steve of Summerville, SC, and Jeff of Creedmoor, NC, Steve’s wife Vickie, one niece, Heather Wheelock of Louden, TN, two nephews Mark Tipton of Annapolis, MD and Robert Tipton of Atlanta, GA, and many members of his extended Boys Club family.