Emmett Eugene Pipkin, Jr.

Emmett Eugene Pipkin, Jr., 86, of Valdosta, died Wednesday, November 9, 2011, with his loved ones by his side. He was born May 22, 1925, the son of the late Emmett Pipkin, Sr. and Nell Goss Pipkin. He graduated from Valdosta High School where he played football for Coach Wright Bazemore who he credited with instilling in him the values he held throughout his life. Emmett worked in the shipyards in Jacksonville before entering the United States Army during WWII. After the war, he returned home to Valdosta where his father was in the automobile business. He attended General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan and received his business degree there, graduating 2nd in his class. In 1948, he became Manager of Pipkin Motors.

Emmett was truly a Huckleberry Finn in his youth and throughout his life. He received great joy in life's simple pleasures and loved everything about nature. He fished with great enthusiasm and enjoyed sharing his catch with others. On each of his visits to the Smokey Mountains, he climbed Mt. LaConte, and the great outdoors continued to restore his soul.

Emmett was immersed in the life of the First United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Board. He taught Sunday school for over 50 years and served in many other capacities, as he was needed. Emmett was instrumental in the building of the conference center at Camp Tygart, which was named, in his honor. He was active in the Emmaus Community and Kairos. His love for family, friends and community was a source of comfort and added much joy to his life.

Survivors are his wife, Jean Wilkins Pipkin of Valdosta; one daughter, Catherine (Cathy) Anne Pipkin of Homerville, two sons and a daughter in law, Emmett Eugene (Butch) Pipkin, III of San Francisco, California, David Andrew and Lorraine Pipkin of Valdosta; stepdaughters and their husbands, Stephanie and Kevin Mize of Valdosta, Stacey and Kevin Sasser of Roswell, stepson and his wife, Ed and Becky Bynum of Valdosta; grandchildren, Triche Thornton, Traycee Thornton, Teresa Thornton, Andrea Pipkin, Drew Pipkin, Spencer Pipkin; step grandchildren, Stephen Mize, Zach Mize, Bryant Sasser, Ashlyn Sasser, Colby Gardner, Collier Mutert, Quinn Mutert, Campbell Mutert; several nieces and nephews, including Angie Wilkins Carr of Moultrie. He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Phyllis McDermott Pipkin, two sisters, Mary Catherine Denny, Sarah Frances Griffis and a brother, Clyde Pipkin.

Funeral services for Emmett Eugene Pipkin, Jr. will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 3:00 o'clock at First United Methodist Church with burial following at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Dr. Bob Moon, Reverend Mike McAfee and Dr. John McGowan will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Saturday evening from 5:00 until 7:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or to Camp Tygart. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602