Bennett Carlton Tipton

Bennett "Tip" Tipton, age 85, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2014 at UT Medical Center. He was born in Gurley, Alabama on May 12, 1929. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served in the Korean War. Bennett retired from Rentenbach Engineering Company as Senior Vice-President/Treasurer after 36 years of employment and was a 50 year member of New Providence Masonic Lodge #128 F & AM. Bennett was an avid golfer and fisherman but his biggest passion in life besides his family and friends was helping others in times of need. He was also a friend of Bill W. for 29 years. He is preceded in death by parents Floyd Wilson and Mattie Harbin Tipton, brother Paul Tipton, sisters Virginia Fanning and Marie Russell, brother-in-law Gordon Wright, daughter Connie Marie Tipton, first wife and mother of his children Betty Veal Tipton, wife of 30 years Glenda McCloud Tipton, and grandson William Gallaway. Bennett is survived by brother Carey Tipton and wife June, sister Janice Wright, daughter Anita Illig and husband Tim, son Joe Tipton and wife Janet, daughter Camille Stump and husband Dan, grandchildren Suzanne Gregory, Andy and Alex Tipton, Elichia Brown, Michelle Gallaway, Lacy Williford, Drew and Sarah Stump and 6 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Agape,INC. – a substance abuse treatment facility for women - 428 E. Scott Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 6, 2014 at Smithview Pavilion, 601 Smithview Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37803, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. At 7:00pm the Eulogy will be given by Tip's family and closest friends. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, TN 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bennett Carlton Tipton please visit our Sympathy Store.