Larry Thomas Tipton passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 26, 2021. He was born June 11, 1945 and was a graduate of South High School. Larry was Captain on the Rockets football team and track team and was selected to the Knox-County All Star Football team. He made Honorable Mention on the All State Football Team and received a scholarship from ETSU.
Larry loved his time at Island Home Baptist Church where he accepted Christ and was baptized. He was a Sunday School teacher to middle school boys. He enjoyed being responsible every Sunday morning for ringing the church bells. Larry taught himself how to play the guitar and he wrote beautiful song lyrics and poems. Larry worked for many years for Southern Railway and later as a Security Guard at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Ruby Tipton; sister, Brenda Simcox and her son Scott; brothers, Mike and Wayne Tipton; special cousin, Tressa Stallings.
He is survived by his precious daughter, Melissa Lantrip and her husband, Jim; sister, Millie Tipton and her children Nikki and Adam, who called Larry "their uncle Papaw"; brother Jack (LInda) Tipton and family; special cousin, Charlotte Troutt and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Larry's memory to the Youth Ministry at Island Home Baptist Church, 2323 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920.
The family will meet at Bells Campground Cemetery, Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 11 am for graveside services. Rev. Don Wilson officiating. Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 www.berryfuneralhome.com
