Doyle Gene Tipton

Doyle Gene Tipton, 74, of Unicoi, passed away on Friday, June 26,2020 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina with his family by his side. He exchanged this life of suffering and pain for an eternal life with Jesus.

He was a native of Unicoi, and a son of the late William McKinley Tipton and Myrtle Moore Tipton.

Doyle was a veteran of the United States Army, joining in 1965 with an honorable discharge in 1976 after 11 years of service. His service time included two combat tours in Vietnam which included a combat jump with the 173rd Airborne on February 22,1967, time at Ft. Bragg, Ft. Benning and Ft. Hood as well as two years in Germany.

He was a three-time Purple Heart awardee, and earned several more honors during his time with the Army, including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and Bronze Good Conduct Medal with 3 loops. He was one of many unsung heroes who served our country to ensure our freedoms.

After his discharge, Doyle went on to work for the VA before spending over 20 years as a carrier and clerk with the United States Postal Service.

Doyle was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending precious time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed guns and woodworking with a vast knowledge of both. He attended church at Morgan Branch Free Will Baptist. After his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his wife traveling and camping.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Johnny Tipton, and several siblings.

Those left behind to hold and cherish his precious memory include the love of his life for over 51 years, Florean Honeycutt Tipton; daughter, Melanie Stephens and husband Stewart Stephens; grandchildren, Kaley Garrett and husband Jeff Garrett, Lindsey Stephens, Emily Stephens, and Jonathan Tipton; great granddaughter, Ava Tipton, and another great granddaughter due in December; his beloved dogs, Molly and Lacey; special friends, Bob and Linda Campbell, Doug and Teresa Bowman, as well as more siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family of Doyle Tipton will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 7:00 PM with the Rev. Bob Campbell officiating. A committal service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 2,2020, at the Mountain Home National Cemetery Annex (215 Heroes Drive). Pallbearers will be Stewart Stephens, Jeff Garrett, Jonathan Tipton, Doug Bowman, Dillon White and Charles Brooks.