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John Sipe Obituary

John Earl Sipe CHARLOTTE - John Earl Sipe, Luthier, 81, of Charlotte, a well known violin maker, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at his home. He was born February 27, 1931 in Catawba County, NC, son of the late Homer Eugene Sipe and Delia Turner Sipe. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, his instruments were known worldwide. Mr. Sipe served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Campaign Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Hughes Sipe and a sister, Dorothy Finger. Mr. Sipe is survived by his wife, Stella West Sipe; daughter, Crystal DeMund and husband Richard; grandson, Raymond DeMund; stepdaughters, Jerrie Ann Smith and husband Charles and Wendy West Holder; step-granddaughter, Natalie Page Smith; brother, Glenn W. Sipe; and sisters, Hazel Huffman and husband Garland, Mildred Sipe, and Sue Kirkley and husband Robert. A memorial service will be held 12:00 o'clock noon on Friday, September 7, 2012 in the Chapel of Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte with the Reverends Mark Harris and Michael Cummings officiating. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 South Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sipe

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Judy Hornaday

May 8, 2013

I own a John Sipe violin. My Mother was a concert violinist. She passed away before I began my journey with the violin. I purchased my violin at Fiddles and Sticks in Winder, Ga. Apparently, Mr. Sipe was not happy with the finish and only wanted a fraction of it's worth. I was a beginner. That violin was magic. (and still is) I call it my "Orphan." I realize it's worth but it is a part of me. The night before my decision to buy, I had a dream where my Mother encouraged me to purchase the Sipe.
It is a beautiful, soulful instrument which I will never do justice to but it is my Orphan. Loved, treasured and as the man who made it, filled with the song of God.

Sonja Lynne

December 27, 2012

Dear Crystal,
I was just visiting the website and found out about your Dad. I am so sorry.

My mother, Berneta Burnam, was a very dear friend of your family. My sister, Pam and I would often go with her from our home in Hickory to visit the violin shop, attend concerts, etc. My mom had the greatest respect for John's work and his incredible abilities. He was the one she went to when there was ever a problem with her violins (she had many because she taught violin, as you recall!).

I exchanged a couple of emails with your Dad a few years ago about our violins after my Mom went into a nursing home (where she still is). He was as kind and helpful as always.

I will always remember him and the many fond memories of our time in your home. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Email: [email protected]

Dottie Austin-Hammond

September 21, 2012

Crystal, you may not remember me, but my parents and I went to First Alliance many years ago. I live in Southport NC now, but my husband had been in Charlotte on business and brought home a Charl Observer. I saw your dad's obit in there and your name. I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad. But our hope is forever in what lies beyond our mortal death. Your dad, I remembered was a violin maker. What a wonderful legacy he had in his gift of music. Just wanted to say "hello" after many, many years and how sorry I was to see his passing. I almost tossed out the paper without looking at it, but decided because of my many years in Charlotte to look through it. Was so glad I did.

September 10, 2012

My heart felt condolences go out to you all. John was a very good man and I enjoyed many interesting conversations with him.I am glad I got to know him these past five years and he will be deeply missed - Jon Post Charlotte,NC

September 7, 2012

To Mr. Randy and Annette Sipe and Family:
At this time I am praying GOD will give you the Strength and Comfort as
you go through the Services for your Uncle. To the Sipe Family: Keep Your
Faith and Trust in GOD. Cynthia Lovick

Mary Harrison

September 7, 2012

My dear friend Crystal, you know how much I admire you and your faith in God. I pray God will give you strength and comfort in knowing your dad is now resting in his eternal home. I love you and will continue to pray for you and your family.

Edward Allison

September 6, 2012

John was a great Christian man who loved his Lord. We had many talks about our faith as I watched him work on his "instruments of Love." He has touched so many lives with his violins including my wife, son and daughter who all play "John Sipe Violins". Our condolences go to the entire family and pray you find the peace that only God can provide.

Dan Lawrence

September 6, 2012

As a fellow luthier I admired John's God inspired talent as a violinmaker. Over the 25 years that we associated I learned to respect his kindness and brotherly love. The world has lost a fine violinmaker and a sweet and gentle man. May God bless you all in this time of loss, but also give you peace in knowing that John is resting in the Paradise of the Lord.

Jerry Furr

September 6, 2012

Dear family members, I have known John since 1960. We would travel to his house in Newton once a week to practice music [Millard and Jerry and the country Pals]. Later I played with the Roustabouts for over seven years. John has recieved his reward. We still must face ours. May God bless each of you at this time. JERRY fURR

September 6, 2012

We lost a great violin maker,friend, musician, church member and for me a great buddy. John worked in my music store located on WT Harris Blvd, in Charlotte, N.C.for over seven years and recorded on my Lamon Records Lable for many years. To his family I am sorry for your lost but know in my heart John just went home to be with his Lord,Jesus Christ.
Dwight Moody "The North Carolina Fiddler"

Dwight Moody

September 6, 2012

We lost a great violin maker,friend, musician, church member and for me a great buddy. John worked in my music store located on WT Harris Blvd, in Charlotte, N.C.for over seven years and recorded on my Lamon Records Lable for many years. To his family I am sorry for your lost but know in my heart John just went home to be with his Lord,Jesus Christ.
Dwight Moody "The North Carolina Fiddler"

Cathy Foster

September 6, 2012

My dear friend Crystal, your father was such a wonderful,sweet man. I will always remember watching him play in the band while we sat with your mom. They are together again forever. My love and prayers to you, Cathy

Peggy Peterson

September 6, 2012

My dearest Crystal, we will hold hands and ride the waves together and then stroll along the shore. You know how much I hurt for you. I treasure you my friend and love you more than words can convey.

Richard Osborne

September 6, 2012

John was a kind and gentle man whose faith and demeanor I could only compare to the man I looked up to the most, my grandfather.
I only knew him for a short time, but gained so much knowledge about not only how to go about making a violin, but more importantly when to do this type of work. In his own words "You should only do this type of work when you feel inspired."
Thanks to his willingness to share the knowledge only gained by years of experience, I will continue to be inspired to not only make a good violin, but to trust in God, and do my best for him.
I send my condolences to Stella, and all of his family members.

Audrey Metcalfe

September 6, 2012

Dear Crystal and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I remember fondly the time I spent with them during the years your mother was ill. Your father has been a blessing to so many he taught the Bible at First Baptist. I am sorry I will be unable to attend his funeral, but I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Audrey Metcalfe

Joel and Vera High

September 6, 2012

We will always treasure your friendship. Thank you for sharing your love of music and enjoyment of live with us as you always conveyed your faith in God. The Roustabouts-Arnold, Phil, Joey & Terry

Glenn and Terry McCorkle

September 6, 2012

We are saddened at the loss of John, but rejoice for him because of his faith in his savior Jesus Christ, he is now present with Him. I believe John was welcomed in heaven with a beautiful symphony because he always told me that he was inspired by God in his life long work. I know that the many violins he made for over 40 years will continue to be played all over the world for hundreds of years to come. So long my good friend and because of the blessed hope, we will see you again!

Peggy and Charlie Peterson

September 5, 2012

In the still of the night, when darkness surrounds you, a small sliver of sound will drift from heaven above. A faint whisper of a lullaby, its chords familiar and loved. That is John Sipe playing his violin with the angels. Our hearts weep for all of you. Our love and our prayers are with you always. In deepest sympathy...

September 5, 2012

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear." We love you Aunt Stella and are here loving and supporting you!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Bobby, Debbie, Kayla and Colton

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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