Gary Tipton

Gary Harlan Tipton, 70, of Lakeway, Texas died on Monday, August 17, 2015 following a year-long brave battle with cancer. Gary was born on November 27, 1944 in Temple, Texas to Troy Harlan Tipton and Geneva Baker Tipton.

Gary graduated from Waco High School and played football for the University of Texas Longhorns from 1963 to 1965. While in high school, Gary was selling life insurance after receiving special permission to take the licensing test before the legal age of 18. He served in the Texas National Guard as a Mess Steward and Jump Master for the 3rd Battalion, 143rd Infantry from 1968-1971. Upon receiving his Bachelor's degree from Baylor University, he went to work selling life insurance for Texas Life achieving a place at the Million Dollar Round Table. He then began working in the Health Insurance Industry as an insurance consultant. He has resided in Waco, Austin, San Antonio, Canyon Lake, and, most recently, Lakeway, Texas.

Gary was a visionary when it came to the design and implementation of new health insurance models. While at Boon-Chapman in the late 70's, Gary worked with the City of Austin and Bob Spurck to develop the first self-funded health insurance program for municipalities in Texas. He developed many Physician Hospital Organizations in the 80's. Gary also found time to expend his talents as the editor of Texas Times magazine and dabble in the candy factory business. Gary's creative mind, contagious smile and tremendous sense of humor will be sorely missed.

His hobbies and interests included hunting, fishing, boating, riding his Harley and mountain bike, cooking, traveling, and wood working. He was quick to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Gary had a way of lightening the mood during social gatherings. His positive energy, fascinating stories and good-hearted character permeated the room often making him the center of attention. One of Gary's most admirable attributes was his ability to develop strong bonds with people in such a short amount of time. He had a way of communicating not only with people, but also dogs. He had a very special place in his heart for his companion, Bullet. More than the activities themselves, he loved the opportunity to get together with family and friends over great food, a few beers, and Fox News in Tip's Tavern on Canyon Lake.

Gary was preceded in death by: his father, Troy Harlan Tipton; his mother, Geneva Baker Tipton; and nephew, Troy Tipton.

Gary is survived by: his wife, Teresa Fitzgerald Tipton; daughter, Alyssa Oliver and her husband, David; son, Chris Tipton and wife, Allison; mother of his children, Margaret Ann Tipton; grandchildren, Will, Weston, Josie, Cash, and Gracie; step-daughter, Alison O'Neill; brothers, Paul Tipton and wife, Lucia; Steve Tipton and wife Tricia; and John Tipton and wife Kathy; nieces and nephews, Scott, Emily, Holly, David, Allison, and Kevin; a great-niece, great-nephews, and many lifelong friends.

As you all know, Gary had very strong opinions about politics and life in general, and his last wishes were no exception. He insisted there would be no formal funeral service. Instead he requested that as friends and family come together at future gatherings, they remember him by sharing memories. We would like to use this website to post your stories or pictures of Gary as a tribute to his life. Please join in the celebration and send your stories and pictures to [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Hospice Austin (http://www.hospiceaustin.org) or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Hospice Austin's Christopher House, Texas Oncology North Austin, Cancer Therapy & Research Center UT Medicine San Antonio, and The START Center for Cancer Care who all quickly fell in love with Gary after they learned of his unique sense of humor.

The background picture of the stunning sunset on Canyon Lake and his flagpole was taken by Gary. He loved the beauty of nature and sharing great times with family and friends in "Tip's Tavern".

He fought the good fight and now the words of Isaiah 40:31 apply, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."