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Gary Layne Lipford, 76, of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with his Lord on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center. Gary was born in Elizabethton to the late Jesse and Gladys Collins Lipford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jo Smith, and two brothers, Charles Lipford and Jimmy Lipford.

Gary retired as a maintenance supervisor for Citizens Bank and was a member of Siam Baptist Church where he served as the chairman of house and grounds committee. Gary was known as being tough as nails and could fix anything. He was truly a jack of all trades. Gary was a meticulous organizer and worked extremely hard at everything he did.

Known as determined and stubborn, Gary was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle and never met a stranger. He loved his little dog, “Chaz”, camping and spending time at the lake.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memory include his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy Lipford; his children, Mike Lipford of Kingsport, Gary A. Lipford of Nashville, Christopher Lipford of Johnson City and Jaime Lipford of Elizabethton; his sister, Jessie Montgomery and husband Carroll of Elizabethton; his grandchildren, Autumn, Brayden, Hayden, Mila and C.J.; and his extended family, Richard and Jennifer Atwood of Kingsport. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, September 27, in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Rev. Brian Hollaway officiating with Rev. Jack Roddy reading scripture and prayer. Music will be under the direction of Robin Montgomery, Zach Montgomery, Bailey Broyles, Bill Anderson and Tracie Powers. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service.

The graveside service will be conducted at noon on Saturday, September 28, at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Jordan Yelton, Zach Montgomery, Wes Montgomery, Keith Raulston, Richard Atwood and Chip Montgomery. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Rose, Donny Hall, Dave Bouleris, Bill Russell, Mick Oliver, Carroll Montgomery, Andrew Shell, Bill Hamilton, David Smith, David Bennett and Tim Parlier. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Monte Vista Memorial Park at 11:50 a.m. Saturday. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Gary to the Siam Baptist Church Elevator Fund, 2414 Siam Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643. A special thank you to the nurses of the 2800 ICU Wing at Johnson City Medical Center and the nurses of Franklin Woods Community Hospital – they were wonderful. Thank you also to his church family and all of his friends who have supported us through this time. Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Lipford family. Office Phone (423) 542-2232.