Robert Eugene Tipton Jr.

Robert Eugene Tipton, Jr., 22, died on March 26 of natural causes while in attendance at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. He was born on February 10, 1990, attended Presbyterian Day School and Memphis University School in Memphis, and graduated from the Carlbrook School in Halifax, Virginia. Robert had many talents and interests, but his greatest love was his family -- accompanying his mother on a vacation, or escorting his sister in Carnival Memphis. Throughout Robert's life, his maternal grandparents, Lib and George Dunklin, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, who predeceased him, encouraged and supported him in all of his endeavors and remained steadfast in their love for him, and throughout his life they remained close to his heart. A natural runner and accomplished track athlete, Robert won the Shelby League's Dan Griffin Outstanding Award in 2005. In 8th grade, he broke the MUS middle school two-mile cross-country record, and in 9th grade, as a star runner on the Varsity Cross-Country team, he tied the high school one-mile track record and was the only 9th grader on the MUS Varsity Cross Country team who placed runner-up in the state. Robert loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed duck hunting and skeet shooting at his family's 5 Oaks Lodge in Humphrey, Arkansas. His varied interests included concerts and music, as well as science and technology. On his many travels, he especially enjoyed the culture of Japan and the excitement of New York. Robert's sensitive heart endeared him to all who knew him. The messages his friends have left on his Facebook wall attest to his kindness and caring nature: "You never failed to bring smiles to everyone's faces," "You are the most loving and tender person that I have ever had the privilege of calling a friend;" "You taught me how to really care for people;" "You made me love life and want to live every day to the fullest;" "I'll miss your big smile and big hugs;" and "Shine down upon us." His sister Mary posted: "I love you more than the world, brother. As my angel, please never leave my side." Robert leaves his mother, Deborah Dunklin Tipton, and sister Mary Elisabeth Black Tipton of Memphis, and his father, Dr. Robert E. Tipton, Sr., of Terre Haute, Indiana. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt , Mr. and Mrs. George Hillary Dunklin, Jr. of Humphrey, Arkansas, his cousins, Megan, Hillary, and Lauren Dunklin; and his great aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dunklin, Sr. of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Louis M. Dunklin, of Dallas, Texas. A Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 31st at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, with graveside services at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 2nd, at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The family requests that memorials be sent to Memphis University School, 6191 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38119, or to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, 300 Orlando Avenue, Suite 200, Nashville, TN, 37209. And finally, from another friend: "I would say Rest in Peace, but no, that's not you. Rest not, Rob, and be not at peace. Instead, explore and dream and risk and challenge and love like you always have." We take comfort in knowing that Robert is in heaven with God and his beloved grandparents CiCi and Gang-Gang. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400 www.canalefuneraldirectors.com