Edwin J. Tipton
Edwin J. Tipton, 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
He was born a dirt-poor country boy without a penny to his name in Tellico Plains, Tn., on March 25, 1934. Edwin grew up on a farm where he would do every chore needed – just like every family member would do back in the 1940's. Later in life, Edwin made something out of his life and was a successful businessman.
Ed was a star linebacker on his high school football team for the Tellico Plains Bears and he played on both sides of the ball. During his senior year they won almost every game and were the champions of the region. He was on the 1950 Tellico Plains high school football team that chose the name of the mascot, and they renamed their team the Bears from the Red Devils. Still to this day, Tellico Plains high school's mascot remains the Bears.
Edwin went on to play college football. A few years later he met his wife Betty Cole and they went on to have two daughters, Jan and Melanie. He was a great Dad with a lot of great advice added with southern humor. Edwin was also a loyal husband.
Ed started working for Orkin Exterminating and moved up the ranks quickly and was offered the position of vice president of the Orkin organization. Ed declined the offer and decided to start a successful business named Volunteer Exterminating in Chattanooga.
Edwin also coached his daughter Melanie in fast-pitch softball and the team's name was the Sidewinders and they wore orange uniforms. He proved to not only be a successful businessman, but Ed was a great fast-pitch softball coach and his team won countless championships, including several Tennessee State championships.
Ed also taught his daughter Melanie how to be a windmill fast-pitch softball pitcher and she went on to earn an athletic college scholarship to Carson Newman University. He was so proud of both of his daughters, Jan and Melanie.
Edwin was a member of the Shriners, he was a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite and Chattanooga Pest Control Association that he founded. He loved to go to all the meetings and talk to his good buddies, including Wayne Holden, Red, Phil Ellis, Glenn Ellis, Gilmore White, Calvin Hayes, Bill Stone and countless other people he considered a close friend. Ed loved helping people and children.
One of Ed's passions was Tennessee Vols Football and he had season tickets for over 40 years. He loved the Vols and watching college football and baseball with his family. His daughter Jan was always his sidekick at every Tennessee football game and they both were decked out in orange. Edwin's wife Betty also loved going to the Vols football games because everyone had so much fun.
Edwin was extremely smart and loved reading. At age 84, he bought a computer and learned how to get on the internet and read all about the Vols and college football. Ed was a whiz at his computer and finding information on the internet.
Even up to age 89, Ed was still going to the gym on a regular basis and would push mow parts of his front yard. Edwin lived life to the fullest, had a great sense of humor and was one of the most honest people that ever lived.
Edwin is survived by his wife Betty and his daughters Jan Tipton Cartwright and Melanie Tipton. He is preceded in death by his father Jake Tipton, and his mother Velma Williams and step-father Lester Williams. His aunt Pauline was considered a sister to him. Edwin's uncles were Glenn Watson and Ralph Watson. His grandparents were Walter and Leona Watson. Edwin always said Walter was the best man he had ever known.
Edwin J. Tipton was a good man, great Dad and wonderful husband, who was loved by so many people and will be dearly missed.
There will be a celebration of life for Ed on a future date.
Share your memories and express condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.