Edward Helmey Zipperer

1931 - 2024

Edward Helmey Zipperer

Edward H Zipperer "Ed" or "Zip" died on October 24, 2024, after a wonderful 93-year life well lived. He was truly a local legend.

He was born in Savannah on August 8, 1931 (even though his birth certificate said August 9th) to the late Hattie Mae Helmey and James Forrester Zipperer, Sr.

Ed grew up farming. Since the 1920's, the Zipperer family was part of a large truck farming cooperative that involved a significant portion of southwest Chatham County near Hwy 17 and the Historic Bamboo Farm. The Zipperers were vegetable farmers and shipped these products far and wide by rail. They grew Irish potatoes, collards, cabbage, watermelon, sugar cane, sweet corn and had over 250 Pecan trees. Ed later focused the farm on soybeans, hay, and rye. They also raised beef cattle. In 1996, Ed donated 22 acres of the farm to the Chatham County School System and sold 44 more acres to create the Forrester and Hattie Helmey Zipperer Complex that houses Southwest Elementary and Middle Schools. He wanted to honor his parents and their contributions to the community. In addition to the schools, what was the Zipperer farm and homestead is now the site of Henderson Golf Course, its surrounding neighborhood, as well as Compassion Christian Church.

Ed graduated from Savannah High School where he was a standout in football. He has enjoyed many gatherings of the Cobra Club connecting with men from Savannah High & Commercial High. Ed attended and played football at Clemson and the University of Georgia where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1954. He forever became an avid UGA fan.

In 1965, a few friends asked Ed to coach the Richmond Hill High School boys' basketball team, one of only 16 integrated teams in the state. While he had never played much basketball, his biggest concern was how to feed an integrated team on the road. His solution was he bought a hot dog machine and enlisted his wife to cook hot dogs for the team. Ed led the team to finish 10th in the state that year.

Ed dedicated his life to improving the great state of Georgia. He served in the State Senate for 8 years (1967-75) and was on 13 different committees during his tenure. Senator Zipperer's significant organizational and leadership talents, his remarkable patience and diplomacy, his keen sense of vision, and his sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of the state earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates. He was most proud of his service as Chair of the University System of Georgia and in forming Skidaway Island State Park, Fort McAllister State Park and King's Ferry Ogeechee River Recreational parks in Coastal Georgia. Throughout his lifetime, Ed remained committed to serving and protecting the beautiful lands of South Georgia by serving on the Coastal Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District and Coastal Georgia RC&D Council for over 40 years.

He was exceptionally proud of being a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, member of the Alee Temple, and Alee Clowns for 50 years; and being President of the GA Farm Bureau for 45 years until his death. Ed stayed involved in politics and was a lifelong public servant and outstanding citizen. He was a Georgia Salzburger, a member of the German Heritage Society, and the Lutheran Church of the Ascension.

An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf with the Georgia Seniors. He was most happy when he was on the water at his home on the Grove River. He could usually be found at his dock house telling "stories" to his many friends or watching sports with his beloved cat, Bullet, sitting on the top of his chair. Ed was also very proud of all his children and loved that they would all gather at "The River" for holidays and family events. He often commented on what a wonderful and full life he had and how blessed he was to have so many friends and a family that loved him.

Ed was preceded in death by his brother, James F. Zipperer, Jr.; sister, Juanita Ford; his two beloved wives Nina Dorris Arnold and Delorise "Lois" Accord; and his daughter, Renay McClain; son-in-law, Dick Pollard. He will be deeply missed by his son, Daniel Zipperer (Alex) and daughters: Laura Zipperer (Gail), Tamera Kish, Tina Pollard, Melissa Wheeler (Tim), and Courtney Loadholt. He is also survived by grandchildren: Lauren Davis, Brittney Lightsey (Travis), Breane Knowles (Dustin), Christopher Wheeler (Melanie), Ryan Wheeler (Casey); and great grandchildren Brayden, Emmery, Ezra, Amethyst, Baylor, Bristol, and Silas.

Visitation will be Friday, November 1st, 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral service on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at Fox and Weeks, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, GA 31406

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alee Clowns, 100 Eisenberg Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 120 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401.