With deep sorrow we announce the passing of our father George Wayne Tipton (June 20, 1942 - November 7, 2024), a month from his wife and our mother, Naomi Swan Tipton (June 28, 1943 - October 5, 2024).

Funeral mass for Naomi Swan Tipton and George Wayne Tipton will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at noon at:

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
720 12th Street
Clermont FL 34711

Veteran Memorial Service and
Military 21 Gun Salute to honor George Wayne Tipton
at a luncheon on Saturday, November 30, 2024
From 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the
American Legion Clermont Florida
1063 W. Desoto St
Clermont, FL 34711

Our parents, George and Naomi Tipton, were friends for over 70 years and married for 59 years. They shared a special kind of love and dedication to each other that will remain the example for us all of what a great marriage looks like. Anyone who knew their individual strong personalities knew that they complimented each other in all of the right ways.

They met in Chicago when they were in the 4th grade and became fast friends. They went their separate ways with George serving as a corporal in the Army's 101st Airborne as a paratrooper, until they met again as young adults. Their bond grew quickly once again and they ultimately found their perfect match and soulmate in each other and ended up moving to Florida in 1970 where Dad worked with the union building the Magic Kingdom.

They spent a lifetime with many good and tough times raising their six daughters together.  We've all learned so much from our parents. We learned kindness from our Dad because he would literally give you the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He often did that with little or no fanfare. Don't get me wrong, our dad's immense kindness could only be rivaled by his stubbornness. He was a force to be reckoned with, especially if he thought someone he loved needed protection. However, he truly met his match in our Mom.  Her courage, strength, and love put his strong will in check, just as he did for hers. We learned from our Mother's example, the importance of prayer and a close relationship with the Lord.  Her strong faith was the cornerstone of the example she set that you can always find room in your heart to make someone feel heard, loved, and accepted unconditionally.

They shared many interests and hobbies together including riding on their Harley Davidson motorcycle after their family was grown, Dad singing and playing Johnny Cash songs on his guitar, and playing poker and blackjack in casinos around the country.  They were also avid bowlers and loved traveling with their kids and grandkids, and spending time with their friends at the American Legion, where they were proud members from Dad's military service.  Dad also loved to golf and was always making time to get a round in with this daughters, sons-in-law, grandkids, and even his grandkids' spouses.  Anyone who loved golf, and were available for a VERY early tee time, were welcome.

Their love story spans nearly six decades as a married couple. In addition to raising their girls, they ran multiple companies together, and celebrated the lives of all of their 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, even the 3 more on the way. They had a way of making everyone they loved feel individually special and cherished. Their love stands as a true inspiration of what dedication and mutual respect looks like.

George gave credit to his long life to Naomi because of how she took such great care of him.  They were both proud of what they accomplished in life through their amazing work ethic, especially because they came from humble beginnings. But, nothing made them more proud than their family. Most people thought Dad had no opinion with all the craziness of six girls growing up because he was a quiet man, but he was always watching and knew exactly what was happening. He just let Mom be his spokesperson, until he wanted to weigh in. When he did speak up, it was golden.  It is funny to think back over the years.  They never failed to present themselves as a united front to their kids, grandkids, and friends.  They were a package deal. That is so special and rare.

Although Daddy wasn't a necessarily religious man, he offered grace and understanding to everyone around him. He walked in the way of Jesus in so many ways. He was truly grateful for all he had and accomplished in his life. We told him that he could have been a rich man from the success of his concrete businesses if he didn't have all us kids. He looked very serious when he responded that he was rich because of his family. He was so grounded as to what was important in life and always full of great advice and guidance. We all had Dad's guidance when making major decisions in life and Mom's daily talks full of suggestions and understanding when you just needed to vent. Those treasure will be truly missed.

We owe our faith to our mother who first taught us about Jesus and his teachings. She spent years driving us to Sunday school and church by herself to ensure we all had an advantage in life in knowing Christ.  She fought to share her faith with us and we cherish it.  And, in Dad, we saw the walking example of Christ's teachings. What an honor for their children to be the product of that kind of love.

Their passing was so close together that it is hard for their children to mourn them both, but we are comforted in knowing they are together in heaven until we meet them again.

They are survived by their daughters:

Loretta Coley (m. Marty), Coretta Auman (m. Eric), Lynetta Steed (m. Cliff), Andrea Smith (m. Michael), Angela Tipton, Georgia Parker (m. Chris).

Grandchildren:
Naomi Jackson, Clint Coley, Matthew Auman, Mitchell Auman, Haley Auman, George Steed, Lyndsey Hullinger, Katie Steed, Austin Smith, Xander Smith, Jack Curtis, Caylan Molina, Courtney Parker, Cody Hayford, Kyler Hayford, Colten Parker.

Great Grandkids:
Cameron Jackson, Amia Jackson, Sienna Prendergast, James Coley, Gracie Coley, Easton Parker, Emberlynn Parker and three on the way.