Isaac “Ike” George Tipton, a native of White County, passed away at his home in Costa Mesa, California, on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, with his family by his side.
He left Georgia in his early twenties heading West for work. He went as far as he could go. Planting himself in Orange County, California. He worked at SPS Western as a Master Machinist and retired there after 36 years. Also, in California, he met his wife of 55 years, Lilly Jane. Together they raised seven children.
Some thought he went to Hollywood to make it big after appearing in the classic film, I’d Climb the Highest Mountain, but instead, Ike spent his time not only working as a machinist where several of his ideas were patented and some of the parts he made went to space on Endeavor but hauling scrap metal. He was a blessing to the city of Costa Mesa by helping keep the city clean and helping his neighbors at the same time. He owned a huge truck that he would fill to the brim and a tow truck. Ike’s tows would cost a flat twenty-dollar fee no matter how far the distance. To this day throughout town, he is known for his kindness, generosity, and charity.
Ike was an avid CRS Sprint Car race fan and loved going to Ascot Race Park on Saturday nights. His love for hunting and fishing developed his reverence for Tray Mountain, Smith Creek and Anna Ruby Falls. A conversation could not be had without the mention of that beautiful area. Though while living in California he held on to a dream. The dream was to return to the beautiful North Georgia mountains. Now, his dream is a reality as he returns home.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lilly Jane Lockhart Tipton, parents John Kimsey and Hortense Tipton, Charles and Virginia (sister) Collins, Loren and Joyce (sister) Duckett, Joe (brother) and Nina Sue Tipton, Billy Tipton (brother), Georgie Lou Tipton (sister-in-law), and Andreau Tipton (sister).
He is survived by his children Lita (Dan) Barnette of Clarkesville, GA; Samuel (Shelby) Tipton of Costa Mesa, CA; Linda Hahn of Costa Mesa, CA; Erwin Tipton of Costa Mesa, CA; Stuart Tipton of Costa Mesa, CA; Leslie (Brian) Johnson of Menifee, CA; Jeremy Tipton of Costa Mesa, CA, as well as his grandchildren: Brittany Hahn, Isaac Beauregard Barnette, Curtis Jeb Barnette, Ellie (Elliot) Tipton, Nicholas Johnson, Abigail Tipton, Elijah Tipton, and Annabel Tipton. He is also survived by his brother Tony Tipton of Clarkesville, GA, and sister Mickey (JT) Wilson of Hiawassee, GA.
Services will be on July 16, 2022, at Union Baptist Church in Sautee Nacoochee, GA. Visitation will be at 3:00 PM followed by the service at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. This will be in care of Gertrude Abbernathy at 1094 Bill Ramsey Road, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
An online guest registry is available for the Tipton family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256
