Lawrence E. Tipton

Mr. Lawrence Ed Tipton, 91 passed away peacefully on Sunday Sept. 25, 2011. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the mausoleum at Pinewood Memorial Park with the Rev. Dr. Greg Rogers officiating.
Mr. Tipton and his wife of 65 years, Rosemond Murad Tipton and his family, have made Greenville their home since 1952. "Big Ed," as he was affectionately known, was born in Spartanburg County, S.C. He grew up in Gaffney S.C. with his two brothers and two sisters. "Big Ed" became a professional boxer at a very young age to help the family until World War II began and he joined the U.S. Army. He continued his boxing career during the war fighting the likes of Joe Louis and Ezzard Charles.
After the war Tipton continued his boxing career which eventually led to a position with Wilson Sporting Goods. This brought him to Wilson, where he met his soul mate married and began raising his family. He later left the sports world and moved to Greenville in 1952 where he became a pillar in the community. In 1962 his entrepreneurial spirit led him to an insurance, real estate and Home Building career. Mr. Tipton went to work every day until his death.
Ed loved eastern North Carolina and Greenville helping his community in every way that he could. He participated in the growth of Greenville from building homes to supporting his beloved Pirates of East Carolina University. He was a member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, the Pirates Club, The Greenville Golf and Country Club and was instrumental in founding the Greenville Washington Home Builders Association which he served as the first President. He served on the Advisory board of North Carolina National Bank. He was a member of many organizations and associations during his life time following his philosophy of giving back to the community.
Big Ed was an avid golfer and played until he was in his late 80's shooting his age every year. He ended his golf career logging at least 6 hole in ones. He loved watching the ECU Pirates and the Atlanta Braves. Big Ed loved life and it was impossible to be around him and not be affected by his warm demeanor and fantastic sense of humor. Quick witted, he was never at a lost for a good joke or making someone laugh.
Mr. Tipton leaves behind his wife of 65 years Rosemond Murad Tipton; two sons, L. Ed Tipton II and his wife, Sherryl, and Mark Ellis Tipton and his wife, Diane, of Raleigh; six grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth Manning and her husband, Dr. Norman Manning, of Raleigh, John Elliott Tipton and his wife, Grey, of Greenville, Catherine Elaine Tipton of Raleigh, Kelsey Elizabeth Tipton of Los Angeles, Lindsey Koury and her husband, Hoss Esmaeili, of Raleigh, and Michael K. Koury of Greenville; two great grandchildren, Scott Manning of Raleigh and Craig Manning of Raleigh.
The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8 at Wilkerson Funeral Home and at other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to: East Carolina Heart Institute at East Carolina University, 115 Heart Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.