SGM (Ret.) Jimmie Lipps

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Jimmie Lipps, 91, passed away Tuesday, March 11, at his residence.


Born February 26, 1917 in Martins Creek, Kentucky, he was the son of William and Ninnie Thompson Lipps. SGM Lipps was a career soldier beginning with his induction into the US Army during World War Two. He continued his service in the Medical Corps through the Korean War and Vietnam War, serving over 28 years of active service and rising to the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant Major. Among his decorations were the Army of Occupation Medal w/Japan Clasp, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal; 6 Good Conduct Medals, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.


SGM Lipps will be missed by his wife, the former Vernis Delph, who he married on February 26, 1946; 1 daughter, Pamela Helton, Fountain City; 1 son and daughter-in-law, Heyward and Meryl Lipps, Perth, Australia; 3 grandchildren, James Helton and his wife, Liz, Sarah Bell and her husband, Jason, and Matthew Helton; 2 great-granddaughters, Cheyenne Helton and Shalie Bell; 1 brother, Riley Lipps, London, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.


SGM Lipps was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Amanda Smith and Ethel Smith; 3 brothers, Lloyd, George and Cleston Lipps.


A funeral ceremony will be conducted by Rev. Johnny Shepherd at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the US Army Ceremonial Detachment, Fort Knox, Kentucky.


Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, at the funeral home.