Joe Brown Tipton Sr.

He was born on June 8, 1930 in Kingsport, TN. He grew up on Shady Lawn dairy in Stony Point and was known as “Joe Brown” to friends and family. He was an only child but was surrounded by a large extended family including 11 aunts and uncles. His father, Joseph G. Tipton, showed him the value of quiet and hard work in the midst of the Great Depression. His mother, Allie Mae Brown Tipton, was a school teacher and made sure he had the best education available.

Joe Brown graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He started at David Lipscomb College and then transferred to the University of Tennessee to be closer to his family. He graduated with a BS degree in Marketing in 1953.

Joe Brown was a born salesman and was always on the go. His first job in high school was at JC Penney Co. where he received a raise on his first day and frequently won sales contests. After college he began working as a manufacturer's representative, first with Revere Copper & Brass. At 49 years old - and with a wife and baby at home and another baby on the way - he took a risk and formed the Midsouth Marketing company with trusted friends David Edmondson, Barney Jeffcoats, and Dick Bowie. Once again, his hard work and salesmanship brought success.

Joe married and started a family later in life after his physician, the late William Ewers, introduced him to one of his nurses, Sherrie Alston McClendon of Donelson, TN. They married in 1977 and built a family together over the next 38 years until cancer took his beloved wife in 2014.

Joe retired from sales when his children were in elementary school and devoted himself full-time to his family and community. He pursued boating on Old Hickory lake after his wife said they needed a family hobby. He was a member at Cedar Creek Yacht Club for 47 years and guided the club through a challenging year in 1989 as Commodore.

His children were grateful to have a stay-at-home father in many aspects. Joe and his faithful dog Freeway would greet the kids at the school bus every afternoon. He taught them how to work hard and efficiently, how to serve in the community, and how to anchor their faith. He believed in Jesus and was a faithful member at Hillsboro Church of Christ for over 60 years. His long life culminated in the sweetness of being known as “Papa Joe” to 5 adoring grandchildren.

He is survived by son Joseph Brown Tipton, Jr. of Oak Ridge, TN; son Justin Daniel Tipton (Lauren Elizabeth Hamilton) of Brentwood, TN; and grandchildren Hudson Daniel Tipton, Joseph Brown Tipton III, Hunter Hamilton Tipton, Mark Oliver Tipton, and Henley Alston Tipton.

A gathering of family & friends for Joe will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Hillsboro Church of Christ, 5800 Hillsboro Pike, Forest Hills, TN 37215. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 5800 Hillsboro Pike, Forest Hills, TN 37215. A graveside service will occur Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 3:30 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204.