Billy Gene Tipton

June 27, 1926 - February 9, 2021

Billy Gene Tipton, age 94 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at home, surrounded by his loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born on June 27, 1926 and raised in Paris, Missouri, Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who lived a life filled with many varied and rich experiences and opportunities.

As a young man Billy explored all of the lower 48 states, getting to know his country sometimes hitch-hiking and at other times working the rails. While visiting New York City he decided to join the Merchant Marines and set sail to experience the world. After many years sailing he met his future wife, planted roots in New Jersey and raised a large family.

After retiring from the Merchant Marines Billy worked for the Ford Motor Co. while attending Rutgers University at night eventually becoming a corporate facility engineer. He spent most of his career working for Lily Tulip/Owens Illinois in Holmdel, NJ and the State of New Jersey, Treasury Dept.

Billy’s personal creed was set goals, work hard and always give more than you receive. His greatest love, without compare, has been his wife of 69 years, Madeline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stribling and Lucille Murphy Tipton, and by his brother, John.

Surviving are his cherished wife, Madeline Cairns Tipton; his children and their spouses, Elizabeth and Nick Mariolis, William and Christine Tipon, Michele and Mark Walters, Pamela and Mike Mills, Melissa and Jim Dempsey, and Stephanie and Patrick Kane; fifteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michele and Henry Bowden and Arnold and Betty Cairns; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

Life celebration arrangement are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Billy’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

____________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

Billy Gene Tipton, age 94 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at home, surrounded by his loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice. Born on June 27, 1926 and raised in Paris, Missouri, Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who lived aContinue Reading

See Condolences

Dad, I will miss you with all my heart. You did so much for not only me but all of us throughout your life and your kindness and thoughtful advise will be missed. I will continue to try and emulate the man you were and if I can be half that person my life will be a huge success. All My Love, Bill

Many thoughts and prayers for peace from your Tipton Family Association Of America board and all of your Tipton Cousins around the world. Kathy Hoffmann

7132 Emily Dr

So sad to hear of Mr. Tipton's passing. I can remember, when I was about 12 years old, it was Mr. Tipton who spent a Saturday afternoon showing me how to start a vegetable garden in my backyard with broccoli, romaine lettuce, eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and everything else you could think of. He gave me a guided tour of the Tipton Garden -- always the best vegetable garden (and fruit trees too!) in the neighborhood. With his guidance, the Nagels did pretty well for a couple of years. At 12, I wasn't too much for eating my veggies, but he was spot on when he told me that fresh broccoli out of my own garden would convince me that even broccoli wasn't so bad. Been eating those vegetables ever since. My sincerest condolences to everyone.

My grandfather was the strongest and most respected man I knew. Being one of his fifteen grandchildren you assume it would be hard to keep such special and unique relationships with each of them, but this man succeeded above and beyond in doing so. He would always ask about my work, personal life, and most of all, my future aspirations. Having a plan in life, a good work ethic, and close family and friends were all very important things to my grandfather. I have always, and will continue to, look up to my grandfather as someone who did life right. Rest In Peace Pa. Love your grandson, Willie

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We were so blessed to have been able to care for you in your final days. The deafening silence left in your place is heartbreaking.

Hardworking, honest, patient, quiet, and a good sense of humor (sometimes at expense of others!) are only some of the qualities I loved about my father. I am blessed.

What a sweet man! Loved when he and his wife would come to the Y. Bill would head right in to work out, she would stop at the Welcome Center to chat. By the time she was done chatting and go in to work outhe was done and he would roll his eyes and shake his head. What an adorable couple. He will be missed.

Where to start... the garden, the peach tree, the ice cream, the freezer, the monkey bars, the animals, Noel, the sled, the biggest station wagon I ever saw, the garbage can frisbee with Benji, the Siamese, the clam bakes, the Lily Tulip cup, his chair ....so many memories. My life always entwined with all the Tipton’s. Through it all never very many words from Mr Tipton. Sometimes it was what was not said that was important. My deepest condolences to all of you.

I am one of the world's luckiest people to have been birthed to, loved and raised by a man who possessed uncommon purity of heart, mind and intent. I pray we reunite. Michele Tipton-Walters

Bill and my sister Madeline were married when I was nine years old, so it is hard to remember when he was not a part of my life. He was my big brother. Someone I could rely on without question. Family was the center of his life and he took great pride in each and everyone of us. In his own quiet way he guided his children, and me as his little sister, to live a life of decency, integrity, and strong family values. He leaves for his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren an example of a full life well lived.

On Feb 9th, 2021, the world lost a remarkable man. My dad was one of the best people I have ever known. I am so grateful for the time I have had with him and all he has done and sacrificed for me and my family. He was one in a million and I am so proud to have had him as my father. I love you Dad. Rest in peace Billy Gene

My Dad taught all of us the importance of independence. That allowed me to set off on my own at an early age. When I got accepted into NJIT, his old college. He even took the time to drive me around Newark to show me all of the places not to go, but never showed me the campus. We had a great time & he had great stories/memories. He had a great work ethic & we all learned from that as he used that on us in yard work & regular chores. I took that with me into Corporate & never forgot those important values. I’ll miss him very much. I’ll miss his stories & fixing his computers, but We’ll all be there for Mom.

Godspeed, BG. You will be missed. Thank you for all your guidance and life lessons.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.