Obituary
Dr. J. David Tipton, of Gadsden, finished his earthly race on October 1,
2024. He loved his family and friends so well, and he will be missed
each and every day.
Dr. Tipton was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on November 22, 1943.
Dave graduated from Wiley High School in 1961. He then went on to
earn his B.S. at Franklin College in 1965 and his M.S. degree from
Indiana State University in 1966. His most cherished academic
achievement was his Ed.D. in Instructional Systems of Technology at
Indiana University in 1973.
David Tipton married the love of his life, Rita, on August 6, 1966 in
Elizaville, Indiana. Dr. Tipton spent the majority of his distinguished
career at Gadsden State Community College as a Psychology Professor,
Social Science Department Chair and Assistant Dean of Instruction.
He touched the lives of so many students and faculty members until his
retirement in 2000. He enjoyed following Atlanta Braves baseball and
Indiana University basketball, but the absolute JOY of his existence
were his three grandchildren. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for
them or with them. He went to every activity, performance, or game
any of them had and was their biggest cheerleader! “Doc” is leaving a
gigantic hole in the lives of those who loved him or were blessed enough
to be loved by him.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Tipton, mother and
stepfather, Mary Frances and Ivan Bell, grandparents, Bill and Irene
Lewis and Joseph and Victoria Tipton.
Left to cherish every sweet memory are his wife of 58 years, Rita
Tipton, daughter, Michelle (Jason) Pierce, grandchildren, Harrison,
Lynley, and Anderson Pierce of Gadsden, AL, sisters, Mary Jane
(Roger) Larrison of Elwood, IN, and Beth (Mike) Moffett of St. Cloud,
MN, brother, Paul (Irene) Tipton of Goodyear, AZ, brother-in-law,
Larry (Carol) Sipe of Indianapolis, IN, and a host of nieces and
nephews.
David did not want a formal funeral or visitation, but there will be a
Celebration of Life Visitation on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from
3:00-5:00 at the MeadowBrook Baptist Church Dining Hall.
The family requests no flowers, however, monetary contributions in his
memory can be made to The Bell Center for Early Intervention, 1700
29th Ct. South, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (thebellcenter.org) whom
he admired for their amazing work in the early years of life of his
remarkable granddaughter, Lynley.