N.C. "Tip" Tipton, 79 ("29 + 50 years' experience" – as he said so often), of Livingston, was born on August 17, 1939 to Emma Lee Barnes and Robert "Bob" Tipton. He passed on Friday, April 26, 2019 in the presence of his loved ones and his devoted and loving wife of 61 plus years, Susie "Sue" Tipton. He had five children: Nolan "Bubba" Tipton, Jr. and wife Joy; Susie Denise Adkins and husband, Richard; Brenda Russell and husband, Stephen; Jeanette Rogers and husband, Lee; and Nolan Tipton III and wife, Jeannie. He was blessed to have numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren.

He was referred to as "Little Man" by Sue often and of course "Honey." He always knew he was in trouble when she would say, "Listen here, Little Man." Upon waking in the mornings, he would say while looking in the mirror, "Look at that handsome devil" as Sue would tell him to "hush Honey" since she was not a morning person. He said God woke him up, so he was enjoying his day and that "no one is going to ruin my day." Everyone who knew him loved him and he was working up until Sunday, April 21 ^st which is exactly how he would have wanted it. The last thing he remembered was working on his deck to his travel trailer.

"Tip" as he was referred to on the railroad had some great stories and fun times while working there. That could be where he got his love for gambling. He enjoyed gambling, playing marbles, dominoes and cards. I am sure he will be meeting Dee Zeigler (his beloved mother-in-law) in heaven and trying to beat her in a game of Skipbo, which he said she always cheated at.

N.C. loved to build things and had a God given talent. He built everything from swings, decks, cabinets and even complete houses. He recently oversaw the construction of his youngest daughter's roof to her deck and said he wanted to be sure it got done right. He was referred to as "Boss" by his son-in-law, Lee Rogers very often.

When having a difficult day or something troubling was happening he would say, "You can catch more bees with honey, than salt." This was his attitude towards life. He was a man who never met a stranger and spoke to everyone. He had even given his last dollar to a stranger before. He loved God, although the last few years he did not attend church. He said, "a prayer in the closet is worth 10 out loud and I can pray anywhere."

Some may wonder why there is no formal services for him, it was his wishes. He was a simple man and he frequently said, "If you can't come see me while I am alive, damn sure don't come see me when I am dead." Remember him working in his overalls and his love for life. If you see a lost marble, card, or domino just know he is there. If one falls on your head, he could be trying to let you know you are "messing up". Choose happiness and remember to always "love yourself that no one else has to love you. You love yourself." He always said those words.

He will be greeted in heaven by his brothers, sisters, mom, dad, mother-in-law, son-in-law, and a host of friends and of course, our great God. I know God finished his porch on Friday, April 26, 2019 and he will be sitting there watching us all enjoying the sunshine. He always said, "Don't cry over me, you have a party or cook…I know you can cook." As we celebrate N.C. Tipton know that we had a husband, dad, brother, son, grandpa, father-in-law, and friend that we all probably did not deserve for 79 years and be happy that he is home with God, flying as our angel.