Furman "Butch" Hipp, Jr.

On January 18, 1938 Butch was born to Mildred and Furman Hipp. At the age of 4, he lost his mother to illness and his dad went off to join the Merchant Marines. Young Butch lived with his loving Grandmother and Grandfather Myers growing up among his mom’s siblings and their families. He also spent time in South Carolina with his father’s side of the family. You could say that he lived the “best of both worlds” - but in some respects, it was quite a difficult childhood.

As an adult, Butch formed a life for himself along with his loving wife of 61 years, Phyllis, who passed away two years ago. Together they raised 5 children: Annette (Dom) became a nurse, Mark (Barb) became Vice President of Mike’s Train House, John (Christine) became a production manager for a major company, Sue Ellen (Jim) became a hair stylist and, lastly, Jason (Sara) who became an arborist. Butch worked hard as an electronic engineer for the Vitro Corporation for approximately 50 years and earned his Associates Degree while working full time. His priority, along with Phyllis who also worked full time evenings, was always raising his family.

He found time, and fully enjoyed being involved with the Boy Scouts, volunteering as a first responder with the Clarksville Fire House and being a member of the Knights of Columbus. When he could find the time, he would love to go hunting or fishing. Butch was a drummer for the Washington Redskins football team and also played percussions in an orchestra. He was also a member of a duckpin bowling league and the son-in-law to a farmer who required the help of all family members with everything from retrieving runaway cattle to slaughter/butchering every fall season. He was a talented craftsman as well, doing leatherwork, woodwork, etc - even making beautiful cradles for his grandchildren (he leaves behind 12 of them along with 7 great grandchildren!).

His favorite past time in his final years was watching endless westerns on television, sitting in his comfortable chair and spending the day with his wonderful caretakers (and friends); Joyce, Rae, Kee and Jacquis.

He lived a good life on Redberry Road for 57 years and took his last breath there on November 5th, 2021. Butch will be missed and remembered by many as he goes to join the family and friends that he has missed and longed to see again, most especially, the love of his life, Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go to donors@stjude.org.

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