Loy David Tipton, age 69, 108 Robbins Avenue, Erwin, went home to be with the Lord Monday afternoon, November 12, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County, a son of the late Jeff and L. M. Proffitt Tipton.

Mr. Tipton retired from the Unicoi County school system after 15 years of service. He attended Pathway Free Will Baptist Church.

Mr. Tipton is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 22 years: Bennie Jean Whitson Tipton; one son: Caroll Keith Tipton and wife, Teresa Ann, Gray; one daughter: Annette Owens and husband, Mike, Blountville; mother of Loy’s children: Marie N. Nave, Blountville; two grandchildren: Matthew Tipton and Jessica Owens; three brothers: Everett Tipton and wife, Glenna, Howard Tipton, Herman Tipton and wife, Freda; six sisters: Bertha Edwards, Mary Lois Waldrop and husband, Richard, all of Unicoi County, Phyllis Carver and husband, Howard, Mars Hill, NC, Alice Shelton and husband, Donald, Sharon English and husband, Ronald, Reva Briggs and husband Larry, all of Unicoi County; two sisters-in-law: Lois Brummett and husband Fred, Madeline Barnett and husband, Iss, all of Unicoi County; Best friend: Ken Rice, Erwin and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service for Mr. Tipton will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2012, in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate. Special music will be provided by Roger Roberts and Inez Chandler.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and other times at the family residence.

Active pallbearers will be Ronald English, Donald Shelton, Larry Briggs, Howard Carver, Richard Waldrop, and Ken Rice. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Wheeler and Keith Simmons.

The committal service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday in Roselawn Memorial Park. Those attending the service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 12:00 noon Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the American Red Cross and all those who gave blood donations during the local blood drive in Mr. Tipton’s behalf.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Tipton family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Ledford Funeral Home and Chapel, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Tipton family. (423) 743-1380.