Terry Lee Tipton was born in Saint Louis Missouri, on Sunday December 6, 1954, to Chester Lee Tipton and Vivian "Maxine" Tipton. He was born the second child of 5, first son of 3.
Terry attended school both in Saint Louis and in Mesa Arizona. When Terry was 19 he enlisted in the Army. While he was there he met his first wife Vena. They had one daughter named Angie. Before coming to Arizona Vena and Terry divorced.
Shortly after arriving back to Arizona, Terry met up with his long time friend Debbi Pierce. They were married, and they had one daugter named Dacinda Tipton.
Terry was a very good father to Dacinda. He would never allow Debbi to spank her or get onto her, for anything. When Dacinda was in her teens Terry and Debbi got a divorce, and Terry moved in with his mother and father for a short while.
Shortly after Terry and Debbi divorced, Terry meet Laurie Thomas. At the time of their meeting Laurie had a daughter, but Terry accepted her as his own, Taylor. During thier marrage Terry and Laurie had a daughter named Shelby.
Terry loved to country and western dance, loved horses, and loved his wife and children very much. Terry was a friend to everyone. He did not like people to know that there was a soft and kind side to him, but as Laurie has said "He was like a warm and fuzzy teddy bear."
Terry was full of jokes and loved to laugh. His laughter could be heard a mile away. We all miss Terry's jokes and laughter.
Terry went to meet Jesus on June 30, 2008. He was on his motorcycle early in the morning going to work. An 18 year old made a left hand turn out in the front of him. This was 2 days after we buried his little brother Bob. Both of them are missed dearly by all of us. Even though Terry is gone, he is not far away. We all hold on to the day we can see him in Heaven, and we have the memories of Terry that he left behind. Rest in peace big brother, because now you are free to fly.
