William "Bill" Patrick Tipton, D.D.S.

William Patrick Tipton, aka “Billy Pat,” “Bill,” “Dr. Tipton,” ”Wild Bill,” "Doc," "Dad,” and “Pops,” died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, the 19th of September 2018, after a private battle with cancer. He was 81 years of age. Family, friends and the many communities in which Bill played an outsized role over a long and colorful life will miss his quick smile and generous spirit.

Bill was born on the 5th May 1937, in Marshall, Texas, son of Marion Lee Tipton and Lucy Kathryn (Patrick) Tipton. “Billy Pat,” as he was known in his hometown, spent a great deal of his early childhood with his father and on his grandparents’ farm, developing a tireless work ethic and a deep love and respect for the land. Bill earned the rank of Eagle Scout in middle school. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1955 lettering in football, track, and baseball.

Bill graduated Centenary College of Louisiana in 1959 earning a Bachelor of Science. While attending Centenary, he joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and worked in the college library. Bill spent his college summers “rough necking” on drilling rigs off the coast of Louisiana. This dangerous but lucrative work yielded rich adventures that became lore for his children and grandchildren. Bill spoke fondly of his years at Centenary College, always grateful for his education, the many lifetime friendships he developed and, most importantly, the opportunity to meet Lorita Ann Donaho, a “once in a lifetime love” to quote Alan Jackson (of whom he was also quite fond). Lorita and Bill married in 1960 and built what he called "this very blessed life."

After college, Bill attended the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, working part-time as a medical lab technician and graduating in 1964 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Bill enrolled in the United States Army as a newly minted dentist where he refined his skills and attained the rank of Captain.

Following an Honorable Discharge in 1966, Bill and Lorita selected Corpus Christi to establish his first dental practice and rear a growing family. Bill loved ”The Sparkling City by the Sea” for the wonderful colleagues, patients, friends and mentors who would form an integral part of his life. Bill served in many roles during his residence in Corpus Christi, including President of the Texas Society of Preventative Dentistry, President of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society, City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem, Vestry member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and Co-Chairman of the Channel 16 Auction (PBS Affiliate).

In 1984, facing a vision scare that was later successfully resolved, Bill made the difficult but exciting decision to purchase a Miller Beer distributorship in Kerrville and move away from his beloved home in Corpus Christi. Bill and Lorita lived in Kerrville from 1984 to 1998 where they were welcomed by another wonderful community and successfully operated Tipton-Carson Distributing. While in the beer business, Bill traveled regularly through vast territories of the Texas Hill Country from Boerne to Del Rio and Ciudad Acuna, making dear friends all along the way. Bill continued to devote considerable time to civic endeavors, including serving as the President of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Guadalupe River Access Committee, raising money for school district improvements and supporting service men and women at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. He was named Kerrville’s “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” in 1989 and delighted in founding, sponsoring and being the “moving spirit” behind Kerrville’s annual 4th of July Celebration, which featured massive fireworks and the “Kerr Pops,” a professional orchestra that played patriotic tunes. Bill was also a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kerrville.

Bill sold the distributorship in 1994 and then he and Lorita traveled extensively throughout Spain, immersing themselves in Spanish culture and language before making yet another transition, this time to Houston to coincide with the birth of their first grandchild.

During a twenty-year residence in Houston, Bill started and operated two Emack & Bolio’s ice cream shops for several years. As he was not ready to retire, Bill returned to dentistry, first at a public clinic and then in private practice. Once again “Dr. Tipton,” Bill fell in love with his patients and staff and became a member of the Greater Houston Dental Society while adding orthodontics to his repertoire. Dr. Tipton enjoyed practicing in Houston for nearly fifteen years before reluctantly retiring in 2013. Like so many others in 2017, Bill and Lorita were flooded with the reservoir release after Hurricane Harvey. With unwavering faith, they persevered and made the most of an uncomfortable situation, always remembering to “enjoy the moment.” Bill was also a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where he particularly enjoyed the music programs.

Throughout varied careers, Bill always found time to devote to his family, friends and many interests and hobbies. He worked cattle, rode horses, raised donkeys, goats, and guinea fowl on his beloved ranch, all the while forming lasting friendships with a devoted group of individuals. During different periods of his life, he enjoyed sailing, golfing, playing tennis and flying both airplanes and hot air balloons. He excelled in the shooting sports, practiced a profound love of reading, ran marathons, ran from the bulls in Pamplona, loved music, painted and had a soft spot for old trucks and VW beetles. Bill also loved cheering on the Longhorns, Astros and any team or activity involving his grandchildren.

Family always came first and Bill devoted ample time to dote on and spoil his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lorita, his best friend and business partner through it all. He is also survived by his children, Whitney Tipton Horton and husband, Stan, of Houston, and their children Madeline and Olivia; Patrick and Marisa Tipton of Branchville, New Jersey, and their children Siena and Oliver; and Taylor and Megan Tipton of Houston, and their children Nate, Austin, and Kirby. Bill is also survived by his loving sister, Marian Kay Tipton Mayo, of Marshall. "Pops" often shared with his family that they were his proudest achievement. Both his absence and example are and will continue to be most profoundly felt.

Dr. Tipton’s family would like to thank the many dedicated health care professionals who worked so caringly and carefully to help him fight his illness. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. Burt Forgason, Dr. Ronjay Rakkhit, Dr. Melvin Anhalt, Houston Hospice and their staffs for the compassion and devotion extended to him and our family. They would also like to thank Estella Sigueran for the love and special care that she has given to our family over many years and Ruben Leal, Benny Lyssy and “Doc’s” Karnes City friends for their loyalty and gracious support. Finally, the family thanks the Rev. Stuart Bates for his friendship and guidance.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 6th of October, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Reverend Stuart Bates will officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to the Karnes City High School FFA, 400 TX-123, Karnes City, TX, 78118; St Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Rd., Houston, TX, 77024; or the charity of one’s choice.