Nelson M. Tipton

Nelson M. Tipton, age 86, of Arkadelphia died Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. He was born July 5, 1930, in Bee Branch, Ark., the son of Garland P. and Jennie Lindsey Tipton. Nelson was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a former Science and Math teacher at Southside High School Bee Branch. He served as Principal at Eudora High School, Principal at Arkadelphia High School and interim Superintendent for Amity Public Schools. He was the textbook representative for Scott Foresman for the State of Arkansas for 25 years. He was a Captain for Exec Express Airlines and an HSU Aviation Instructor for several years. Nelson was a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia. He was a member of Arkadelphia Lion's Club, Arkansas Education Association and served as State Treasurer of Arkansas State Blue Grass Assn. He was preceded in death by one brother, Clayton Tipton. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bea Odom Tipton; three daughters, Angie Elrod of Conway, Nan Kirksey (Brian) of Alpine, and Tammy Graves (Paul) of Hot Springs; one brother, Lindsey Tipton (Sandra) of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Jenny and Searcy Elrod, Kathryn Speights, John Brian Kirksey, Matthew and Megan Graves; one great-granddaughter, Dylan Elrod. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Lynn Worthen officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:30 Monday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia. Sign on line guest book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.