Obituary for Ronald William Lipps
Ronald William Lipps went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 13, 2019 at the age of 75. After many years with health challenges, Ron passed peacefully into Glory surrounded by his devoted son, loved ones and friends. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late William and Ruth Lipps, and grew up in Rockledge, PA. Ron went to Lower Moreland HS and graduated with the class of 1962. After high school, he joined the US Navy and was assigned to Attack Squadron VA-64, the Black Lancers, stationed at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, VA. In 1964, he participated in Operation Sea Orbit, a history-making around-the-world cruise aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). Enterprise was part of Task Force One, the first nuclear-powered task force, along with USS Long Beach (CGN-9), and USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), with a mission to steam around the world for sixty-five days without refueling or replenishment. This feat solidified the United States' ability to project power and promote peace globally. Ron was in the iconic “E=mc2” crew picture, taken on the flight deck of Enterprise commemorating this historic achievement for the United States.
After the Navy, Ron returned home and continued serving by volunteering at both Rockledge and McKinley Fire Companies. He then started a new career with Sears and Roebuck as an in-home appliance repairman. Ron could fix anything, so this was a natural fit. In his time off, Ron loved to deer hunt in Bucks and Potter Counties. He taught his son Dan how to shoot. And would often tell the story of how Dan, under his coaching, shot the head off a dandelion at 50 feet away with a BB gun.
Later in life he moved to Virginia to be closer to Dan. Unbeknownst to Ron, his life was about to reach its pinnacle. He always had a love for Gospel music. During a particular trying time with his health, he found respite through a local Gospel singing group called Unshackled. The group would visit the retirement community where he lived regularly, and he became their #1 fan. Through their friendship and love, the Lord began to soften Ron’s heart. He found encouragement and experienced a new hunger to seek things of eternal value. He started watching various ministry television shows and would not miss the Gaither Gospel Hour on Saturday evenings. And finally, after years apart from the church, Ron recommitted his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His life was renewed and his eternal security as a Christian secured!
During the final days of his life, his greatest joy was spending moments with his granddaughter, Brielle. He loved talking to friends and family about her big blue eyes.
Surviving family that will cherish Ron's memory include his son, Dan Lipps (Amy); granddaughter, Brielle; sister, Nancy Herr Jeffrey (Ted); nieces Sandi and Monica; brother, Bob Lipps (Pauline); and nephews Bryan and Greg.
A service to celebrate Ron's life will be held on Tuesday, Sept.17, 2019 at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake at 6:30pm with Tim Lassiter officiating. To view the service online, if unable to attend, and to leave a condolence for the family, please visit: www.grahamfuneralhome.com.
After the Navy, Ron returned home and continued serving by volunteering at both Rockledge and McKinley Fire Companies. He then started a new career with Sears and Roebuck as an in-home appliance repairman. Ron could fix anything, so this was a natural fit. In his time off, Ron loved to deer hunt in Bucks and Potter Counties. He taught his son Dan how to shoot. And would often tell the story of how Dan, under his coaching, shot the head off a dandelion at 50 feet away with a BB gun.
Later in life he moved to Virginia to be closer to Dan. Unbeknownst to Ron, his life was about to reach its pinnacle. He always had a love for Gospel music. During a particular trying time with his health, he found respite through a local Gospel singing group called Unshackled. The group would visit the retirement community where he lived regularly, and he became their #1 fan. Through their friendship and love, the Lord began to soften Ron’s heart. He found encouragement and experienced a new hunger to seek things of eternal value. He started watching various ministry television shows and would not miss the Gaither Gospel Hour on Saturday evenings. And finally, after years apart from the church, Ron recommitted his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His life was renewed and his eternal security as a Christian secured!
During the final days of his life, his greatest joy was spending moments with his granddaughter, Brielle. He loved talking to friends and family about her big blue eyes.
Surviving family that will cherish Ron's memory include his son, Dan Lipps (Amy); granddaughter, Brielle; sister, Nancy Herr Jeffrey (Ted); nieces Sandi and Monica; brother, Bob Lipps (Pauline); and nephews Bryan and Greg.
A service to celebrate Ron's life will be held on Tuesday, Sept.17, 2019 at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake at 6:30pm with Tim Lassiter officiating. To view the service online, if unable to attend, and to leave a condolence for the family, please visit: www.grahamfuneralhome.com.