Jerry Keith Tipton

On July 8, 1958, the words, "It's a boy!" rang out at York Hospital, York, PA. Jerry Keith Tipton was the second child born to William C. and Ruth V. Tipton and they were proud to let everyone know about their beautiful baby boy.
Jerry found joy in music and loved to play the guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, and drums. He was a talented musician and was part of a gospel bluegrass band who even released an album many years ago. Many years later, his family gathered together and made precious memories as they recorded another album. Jerry was an avid hunter and also loved to go fishing; he enjoyed doing both with his father and in later years with his sons. As a young man, Jerry had a love for softball. He played on many teams and was a star-hitter, scoring many home runs and leading them to victory. He also coached church softball teams and enjoyed it tremendously. Just like playing softball, he was passionate about pouring himself into the work of God and quickly became a preacher who could hold the attention of the congregation as he made the Bible come to life. He preached on a level that almost any age could comprehend. He was not only a tremendous preacher, but also a teacher. He loved to teach Bible studies on the plan of salvation and did so with great passion with tears streaming down his face, as the presence of God would fill the room.
Jerry felt a call to the ministry at the age of 16 and after graduating from high school, he studied at Texas Bible College in Houston, Texas for two years, but then returned to Pennsylvania where he married the love of his life, Sally Linker, on March 22, 1980 (they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year). He received his local license with the United Pentecostal Church, Int. in 1983 and later went on to receive his general license and then he became an ordained minister of the gospel. He was the youth pastor at Bethel Apostolic Church, 956 N. Duke St., York, PA for one year and also the PA District Sectional Youth Director for one year. Jerry was the assistant pastor in churches in Maryland and Pennsylvania, but his first pastorate was Apostolic Faith Church in Hazleton, PA. In 2000 he was voted in as pastor of Bethel Apostolic Church, 956 N. Duke St., York, PA, and later he moved the congregation to a larger church facility where he lead them in a remodeling project at 1550 E. 11th Ave., York, PA. He also changed the name of the church to The Pentecostals of York at this time. As the church began to bulge at the seams, the need of another building became obvious and Bishop lead The POY across town where they acquired a beautiful church building at 3920 Farm Drive, York PA, along with a parsonage and approximately 30 acres of land. During his time of pastoring in York, he was also a sectional presbyter for the PA District UPCI for 7 ½ years after which time he was voted in as the PA District UPCI Superintendent. He lead the district faithfully for 10 years before stepping down in 2020 when he felt the Lord leading him to focus more on his father's failing health and he also wanted to focus on the growth of the church he pastored and loved so dearly, The Pentecostals of York.
Jerry made his mark on the world with his level of greatness, sacrifice, faith, and deep-rooted love for God. What seemed to be unreachable, unthinkable, and nearly impossible to most, became goals that he would strive to reach.
He had an unwavering commitment to spread the gospel to everyone he met and even preached a mini-sermon on holiness unto the Lord with great fervor to the hospice nurse who sat at his bedside just hours before he went on to his reward.
Surrounded by his family at home, Bishop Jerry Keith Tipton completed his journey here on earth Saturday evening, June 7, 2025, after a 28 month battle with cancer. His death was as victorious as his incredible life. He woke up breathing his first breath of a new eternal life – corruptible now incorruptible – mortal now immortal – death swallowed up in victory. Enjoy your new painless body, Bishop!
Those of us who were blessed to have known him have to agree that the sixty-six years of legend just wasn't enough; only eternity will reveal his impact on so many lives. Legends are created by passion and he was passionate about everything he set his mind to do! He is linked with lives of people who are becoming world-changers as he mentored many men who went on to do great things for the kingdom of God.
The POY loves and honors their beloved Bishop. His sermons were unforgettable from messages that brought redemption to sinners, strength to weary saints, and correction of paths people were going down. To know him was to love him! He gave to others even if he didn't really have it to give. Thank you, Jerry Tipton! We won't forget your infectious side-smile and hearty laughter with your head tilted back! The prayer will continue, the fasting will continue, the evangelism of our great city of York will continue. You've taught us well, Bishop; we honor you and your legacy and we will keep the revival fires burning at The POY and in the Pennsylvania District UPCI that you loved so much!
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sally Tipton, his sons: Rev. Joshua Tipton (Yahaira) and Rev. Jaron Tipton (Katherine), and his mother, Ruth Tipton. Also, his brother, Rev. Donald Tipton (Dyann). He leaves behind six grandchildren who lovingly called him Poppa: Jeremiah, Yaralyse, Sally, Jeremy, Jaron Jr., and Lucille, and many nieces and nephews.
The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Bishop Jerry Keith Tipton will be held at The Pentecostals of York, 3920 Farm Drive, York, PA 17402 on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm with the viewing beginning just prior at 9:30 am. The service will be broadcasted live on The POY's YouTube channel which can be accessed via https://youtu.be/P-FPRfo1a40. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made towards funeral expenses at https://gofund.me/49fa1550. The family is inviting friends to join them for food and fellowship immediately following the service (this will be held in The POY Life Center).
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Austin H. Eberly Funeral Home