Services for Isaac "Ike" George Tipton, native of White County, will be held July 16, at 4 p.m., at Union Baptist Church in Sautee Nacoochee. Visitation will be at 3 p.m.
Mr. Tipton passed away at his home in Costa Mesa, California Wednesday, June 29, 2022, with his family by his side.
He was preceded in death by loving wife, Lilly Jane Lockhart Tipton; parents, John Kimsey and Hortense Tipton; Charles and Virginia (sister) Collins; Loren and Joyce (sister) Duckett; Joe (brother) and Nina Sue Tipton; Billy Tipton (brother); Georgie Lou Tipton (sister-in -law); and Andreau Tipton (sister).
He left Georgia in his early 20s heading west for work. He went as far as he could go, planting himself in Orange County, California. He worked at SPS Western as a master machinist and retired there after 36 years. Also, in California, he met his wife of 55 years, Lilly Jane. Together they raised seven children.
Some thought he went to Hollywood to make it big after appearing in the classic film, "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain," but instead, Ike spent his time not only working as a machinist where several of his ideas were patented and some of the parts he made went to space on Endeavor, but hauling scrap metal. He was a blessing to the city of Costa Mesa by helping keep the city clean and helping his neighbors at the same time. He owned a huge truck that he would fill to the brim and a tow truck. Ike's tows would cost a flat 20 dollar fee no matter how far the distance. To this day, throughout town, he is known for his kindness, generosity, and charity.
Ike was an avid CRS Sprint Car race fan and loved going to Ascot Race Park on Saturday nights. His love for hunting and fishing developed his reverence for Tray Mountain, Smith Creek, and Anna Ruby Falls. A conversation could not be had without the mention of that beautiful area. While living in California, he held on to a dream. The dream was to return to the beautiful north Georgia mountains. Now, his dream is a reality as he returns home.
He is survived by his children, Lita (Dan) Barnette of Clarkesville, Samuel (Shelby) Tipton of Costa Mesa, California, Linda Hahn of Costa Mesa, California, Erwin Tipton of Costa Mesa, California, Stuart Tipton of Costa Mesa, California, Leslie (Brian) Johnson of Menifee, California, and Jeremy Tipton of Costa Mesa, California as well as his grandchildren, Brittany Hahn, Isaac Beauregard Barnette, Curtis Jeb Barnette, Ellie (Elliot) Tipton, Nicholas Johnson, Abigail Tipton, Elijah Tipton, and Annabel Tipton. He is also survived by his brother Tony Tipton of Clarkesville and sister Mickey (JT) Wilson of Hiawassee.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. This will be in care of Gertrude Abernathy at 1094 Bill Ramsey Road, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
An online guest registry is available for the Tipton family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.