Gilbert G. Zipperer Sr.

Gilbert Zipperer, Sr., 54, of Valdosta, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at his home in Valdosta after a lengthy illness. Born in Valdosta on July 22, 1958, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Inez Butler Zipperer. Mr. Zipperer was a graduate of Lowndes High School, he then went on to graduate from Valdosta Technical School (now Wiregrass Technical College). He then worked for several years in industrial plant maintenance focusing on welding and pipe fitting. In 2001, Mr. Zipperer went out on his own and started his own companies, Georgia Industrial Maintenance and Alabama Industrial & Mechanical. Mr. Zipperer was devoted to two things, working hard and loving and caring for his family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband, a loving father, brother and friend, holding true concern for those he knew. He created relationships with friends, both professionally and personally, all over the southeast and the world. Survivors are his wife, Susan Adams Zipperer, sons, Jason Zipperer, Gerrod Zipperer, daughter and son in law, Brittani and Marcus Hughes all of Valdosta; stepchildren, Gretchen Craven Johnson and Randy of Guyton, Cole Craven and Betsy of Valdosta, Shiloh Craven and Allison of Jacksonville, FL, Caleb Craven and Christy of Valdosta; sister and brother in law, Freida Z. & Johnny Rutland of Tifton, brothers and sisters in law, Sidney and Kathy Zipperer of Moultrie, Robert and Patsy Zipperer of Valdosta, sisters in law, Tamara Zipperer of Valdosta; grandchildren, Tyler, Bailey and Slade Johnson, Caden and BetsyAnna Craven, Camden and Casen Craven, Colt Craven. He is also survived by Brittani & Jason's mother, Brenda Hall Zipperer of Valdosta; several brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence "Larry" Zipperer, and the mother of Gerrod, Karen Smith Zipperer. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Pastor Jay Watkins and Pastor Brian Gay will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Redland Baptist Church Building Fund. Condolences may be conveyed on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home