On June 13, 2018, Richard Allen "Rick" Tipton passed away from natural causes, shortly after his 40th birthday. He was born on May 30, 1978. He is survived by: the love of life and wife of 13 years, Valeria Tipton; his pride and joy, his son, Zander Stone Tipton, age 4; his father, Freddie Tipton; his mother, Carma Williams, and husband, Pete; a sister, Ashley Anderson, and husband, Troy, and their children, Mariah, Jaiden, Halle, Maddox and Maddison; and special friends and neighbors, who were like family to him. Rick was preceded in death by: his maternal grandparents, Chase and Cleo Kennedy; and his paternal grandparents, Cedar and Shirley Tipton.

Rick had resided in the Paintlick area for the last several years, where he worked for the Federal Bureau of Prison (Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell) as a counselor. There, Rick also served on the Honor Guard and was a fire arms instructor and a member of the Disturbance Control Team. Prior to his time with the bureau, Rick served as a United States Marine and was quick to share that he "would always be a Marine." He was heavily involved in his church, Community Heights, where he created and led the church's security team. As an avid outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed doing anything in nature, especially hiking. He loved all sports and was a faithful fan of Notre Dame and the Bengals. He was a boating enthusiast and spent much of his summer at South Holston Lake, where he was captain of his boat. He volunteered for many community organizations, including Relay for Life and Stop the Bleeding.

Rick's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at his church, Community Heights, which is located at 160 Steelsburg Highway, Cedar Bluff, Virginia. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Zander Stone Tipton College Scholarship Fund. Donations will be received at the Celebration of Life Service or by contacting Amanda Ellis-O'Quinn at 276-701-7888. In addition, the family requests that you would share a sentiment or story (preferably funny) about Rick by writing it down and bringing it to the Celebration of Life or sharing it on Rick's memorial page. Those memories will be kept for Zander.

Source: Singleton Funeral Service website at singletonfuneralservice.com