Welcomb Lipscomb

Welcomb Lipscomb, affectionately known as “Jim” was born on April 10, 1950 in Gainesville Georgia to the late Geraldine Ellison and Marshall Lipscomb. He began his eternal journey on Friday, August 30, 2019.

Welcomb was a 1968 graduate of E.E. Butler High School, where he served as class President. After graduating from high school, he obtained an electrical degree from Lanier Technical College and began a career at OFS/Lucent Technology (formerly Western Electric), where he retired after more than 30 years of service. He pursued a second career with the State of Georgia Juvenile Justice System and also served on the City of Gainesville’s Civil Service Board.  

A brother and friend to many, Welcomb will be remembered as the “Ultimate Chiller”, with a laugh that would radiate throughout a room.  His family was his greatest source of joy and he never forgot a birthday. He enjoyed family vacations and extended road trips. He loved visiting relatives, near and far, so his daughters would know their roots. Welcomb also loved his E.E. Butler High schoolmates and looked forward to reconnecting with them during reunion events. Those who knew and loved him were blessed by his presence.

He participated in Western Electric’s Men’s Softball League and would demonstrate his athletic ability by sliding into the bases. He was also an avid bowler and a member of the Esquire Social Club.

Welcomb was preceded in death by uncles – Booker T. Lipscomb, James D. Lipscomb and DeWitt Ellison; aunts – Annie Belle Ellison and Vera Earls; cousins – Dewitt Ellison Jr., Douglas Ellison, J.D. Ellison, Michael Ellison, Johnny Thomas and Lorraine Thomas.

He is survived by his beloved wife and life-long friend of 48 years, Berlinda Turner Lipscomb; children, Leslie (Stacy) Harrison of Duluth, GA, Carla Lipscomb of Atlanta, GA, and Tosheba (LaDell) Marshall of Calhoun, GA; granddaughter – Sanaa Ellison Harrison of Duluth, GA; brothers – Edward (Betty) Shield of Las Vegas, NV, and Richard Ross of Gainesville, GA; sisters – Vanessa (Edward) Hendrix of Colorado Springs, CO, and Cheryl (Lindsey) Jacks of Morrow, GA; special aunts – Louise Lipscomb of Gainesville, GA, and Nina M. Lipscomb, Cincinnati, OH.

Special family members include – Rosalyn Turner and family, Bertha (Johnny) Shields, Mary (Larry) Davenport, Jerry (Nancy) Ellison, William Ellison, Lawrence Lipscomb, LeJerdis (Reggie) Johnson, all of Gainesville, GA; the Lipscomb families of Cincinnati, OH and Gainesville, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Although he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. John Baptist Church, 757 E.E. Butler Parkway, Gainesville, GA at 1:00 PM.  Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Wimberly Funeral Home, 325 Summit Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 between the hours of 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.  Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.