Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Claude Hipps Obituary
Born April 23, 1927 in Hazlehurst, Georgia, passed away on May 20, 2017 in West Melbourne, FL. Claude was the youngest twin son of the late Robert Thomas Hipps and Cora Hannah Hipps. He had eight siblings. His youth was spent in Waycross, Ga. where he excelled in sports. He attended the University of Georgia for a year on a football scholarship until his love of country led him to join the Marines, serving from 1945 to 1949. While in the service he played on the Atlantic Fleet All Star teams and was chosen MVP in the China Bowl. Following the service, Claude returned to the Univ. of Ga and completed his business degree. He played for the Bulldogs from 1949-51 serving as captain and earning all SEC honors in 1951. It was at UGA he fell in love with the loveliest, sweetest girl he'd ever met. In 1950 he and Elizabeth (Bette) Eaves were married- a union that remains unbreakable after 67 years. Claude went on to play for the Pittsburg Steelers from 1951-52. Claude ended his football career with honors his children are proud of: his own football cards, Univ. of Ga Centennial football team, All Opponent Team selected by Georgia Tech, and Ware County Sports Hall of Fame, to name a few. Claude began his business career as a route salesman for Frito Lay making friends in every convenience/ grocery store in the Southeast. Ultimately, he rose to head national vending sales. Claude possessed a quiet strength and playful spirit that drew others to him: once a friend, always a friend for life. He was a teller of imaginative tales, a devoted and selfless father, and a godly man whose life reflected the power of actions over words. He is deeply missed by his most treasured wife, Bette Hipps; 3 children:Claudia Marra, Joan Sorensen (Scott) and Chris Hipps (Sandra); 4 grandchildren who think he hung the moon: Elizabeth (Ben), Chris, Hutton (Ian), and Christopher, Jr. and 3 great-grandchildren. A private service will be held.
brownliemaxwell.com
"It is well; it is well with my soul."
Thank you, Dad, for the gift of reassurance
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claude Hipps
Sponsored by Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory.
September 28, 2017
I worked with Claude from 1988 to about 1990 and sat next to him in the Plano office. He truly was a sweet & kind person. At the time I was half his age and a Yankee growing up in Boston. I loved talking to Claude as he spun his southern charm and his tales. His people loved him as he was truly a special person. Steve E
Sonny Middlebrooks
June 5, 2017
Bette - my sincere condolences to you & your family - I have many fond memories of our association at Green Island - you & Claude were two of my favorite friends - it was my honor to have two outstanding people as friends. Thinking of you, Sonny Middlebrooks 706 322 8917 - call me if you need any thing here in Columbus
Beverly Burgin Wise
June 1, 2017
My heart is deeply saddened at the news of Claude's passing. Bette, you and your family are in my prayers. God bless.
June 1, 2017
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76
California~
Steve Sorensen
May 31, 2017
Claude was a wonderful person and fine gentleman in the truest sense. He had a warm, personal and caring touch, a playful, full of fun humor that made everyone feel special and want to be around him. His always positive view of life was uplifting and inspirational to all. He loved his family, country and God above all else--and lived his life by those strong tenets and enduring values. It was a pleasure knowing Claude, he was revered and deeply loved by all the Sorensen family. And, he was someone I considered a dear, loving friend. He will be sorely missed and always remembered by those whose lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with Joan, Claudia, Chris and family during this difficult time.
Sue S
May 28, 2017
It was truly an honor to have known Claude. He was a gentleman in every way and one of the kindest souls I ever met. My sympathy to all his love ones. Sue S.
Marian Shope
May 28, 2017
What a beautiful tribute-I know that you all will truly miss him but his spirit lives on in you and your children. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Claude Hipps's name
Memorial Events
for Claude Hipps
Funeral services provided by:
Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Service & Crematory1010 Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
How to support Claude's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Claude Hipps's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
