John Kyle Zipperer, Jr.

John Kyle Zipperer, Jr., 64, of Valdosta, died suddenly on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at South Georgia Medical Center. Born in Valdosta, on September 20, 1944, Mr. Zipperer was a lifelong resident of this area. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. Mr. Zipperer was a farmer, having farmed land that has been in his family since 1823. In 1997 his farm, the Zipperer-Dees Station Farm was honored as a Georgia Centennial Family Farm by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division which honored family farms in continuous operation for over 100 years. Seven generations of his family have lived, worked and played on this farm. Mr. Zipperer had been a good steward of the farm and its land and he maintained his farm and equipment in a meticulous manner. Mr. Zipperer loved to rebuild antique tractors, especially Ford 8N tractors. He greatly loved his family, his friends and treated all people with kindness and respect. Mr. Zipperer loved the Lord and served Him in the mission field of life. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Brogdon Zipperer, of Valdosta; three daughters and sons in law, Millie & Michael Sopt, of Quitman, Mandy & Elliott Jackson, of Decatur, and Emily & Chris Sandoval, of Valdosta; five grandchildren, Kyle & Matthew Sandoval, both of Valdosta, Laney, Ramsey & Grant Jackson of Decatur; his mother, Mary Emily Husbands Zipperer of Valdosta. Also surviving are his sister and brother in law, Mary Sue & Tyson McLane, of Lake Park; a sister in law and brother in law, Beverly & Greg Catoe of Spartanburg, SC; two brothers in law and sisters in law, Joseph & Sharon Brogdon of Madison and Freddie & Kitty Brogdon of Lilburn; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends; and his faithful dog, Buzz. He is preceded in death by his father, John Kyle Zipperer, Sr.

Funeral services will be held for Mr. Zipperer at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Dr. Phil West and Rev. Mac Weaver will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home this evening Friday, May 1, 2009. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Food Ministry, 200 W. Central Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanefuneralservices.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


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