Mr. Harry B. Hipps, age 88, formerly of Florence and Surfside, SC, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in Gainesville, GA.
A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel with the Rev. Dr. John A. Page officiating. The family will receive visitors following the service at the funeral home.
Harry was born in Denton, Georgia on January 9, 1924, and was the son of the late Robert Thomas Hipps and Cora Hannah Hipps. He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war Harry was a scholarship athlete playing football at both South Georgia and Erskine College where he graduated in 1949. He became head coach and athletic director at Ridgeland High in SC, where his teams earned recognition as regional and state champions. Harry left coaching to work with Exxon in 1954. He remained there earning many accolades until his retirement in 1986. In 1993 Harry was inducted into the Erskine Sports Hall of Fame and in 1994, into the Ware County Sports Hall of Fame. Harry was known for his friendliness and ability to put anyone at ease, his irreverent humor, his passion for sports, his beautiful prayers, his garden and his Christian service.
Harry was preceded in death by 6 siblings; Pearl H. Harrison, Luther Hipps, Buena H. Harrison, Lois H Roberson, RT Hipps, Jr., and Farris Hipps.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doris; children, Carolyn H. Williams (Eddie) of Buford, GA; Michael Hipps (Michelle) of Greer, SC; Stacey H. Page (John) of Watkinsville, GA; brothers, Claude Hipps of Columbus, GA; Francis "Framp" Hipps of Waycross, GA; 7 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/jointhecausedonate.asp.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .
