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BORN
2001
DIED
2021
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Christopher Nininger Obituary
August 21, 2001 - May 8, 2021
Christopher Dowell Nininger, our beloved "Kip," of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away at the age of 19 from injuries he suffered in an automobile accident on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
Kip was the only child and son of Chris Nininger and Tracie Nininger, and stepmother, Rachel Nininger.
Left to cherish Kip's life and memory are his beloved family, father, William Christopher Nininger and wife, Rachel; mother, Tracie Dowell Nininger; paternal grandmother, Nancy Nininger "Gangy;" paternal grandfather, William Aldridge "Billy;" maternal grandmother, Judy Dowell "Nonnie;" uncle, Tim Nininger and wife, Jennifer; uncle, Chip Nininger and wife, Deidra; aunt, Allison Moore and husband, Brad; aunt, Brittany Aldridge; aunt, Jill Dowell (Lance); great-aunts, Edith Keeney and Pat Ames; cousins, Noah and Carli Nininger, Tanner, Tori and Taylor Nininger, Mason Moore, Michael Simmons, Carrie Lane (Kevin) and Haley, Willow Ames, and Austin and Alex Metz; uncle David and daughter, Chloe Hodges; many extended relatives; his Bug Man family; and his dog, "Izzy."
Kip was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Roy Nininger; maternal grandfather, Ronnie Dowell "Granday;" paternal great-grandmother, Jean Elizabeth Hobson; paternal great-grandmother, Aileen Aldridge Nichols; maternal great-grandmother, Virginia Dowell "Granny;" and cousins, Brady Nininger and Kyle Ames.
Kips was well-liked and had an extensive number of friends across Virginia and beyond. Kip was a loving and generous soul with a contagious smile, handsome and charming, a prankster, talented athlete, winning many accolades throughout his wrestling career, including two state titles, one of his proudest accomplishments and was an honor roll student.
Kip was determined and adventurous in his short well lived life. He didn't "let the grass grow under his feet." Kip had many interests and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, riding dirt bikes, snowboarding, bonfires, beach trips, "hanging out" with his many friends, and had a passion for cars. Kip and his Dad were world travelers. Kip had many goals and was following in his Dad's footsteps to partner in his business, but God had other plans. Now Kip, we will find our strength through your favorite passage. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.
Kip, we love you beyond measure and you will remain forever young and deeply missed. Carry on son, fly high until we meet again.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Grace Family Church with Pastor Tommy FiGart officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at Oakey's North Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kip Nininger Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 671, Troutville, VA 24175. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.oakeys.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Nininger
Sponsored by Oakey’s North Chapel.
T
May 6, 2024
Keep on 4 wheeling up there buddy
Ben Hodges
February 28, 2024
I was on the Roanoke Times obituary website looking for the obituary of a classmate who passed away yesterday. I came across an "In Memorium" remembrance of Kip Nininger and was touched by the clear love that came through for this remarkable young man. I checked out the Kip Nininger Scholarship Fund webpage and learned more about his life and the efforts his family has made to keep his memory alive by supporting other young men and women in their academic pursuits. This obituary here is extremely touching and heartfelt. What a loss for this family and all of Kip's friends. I did not know him but feel almost like I do reading all I've read about him. I am sure he was every bit as wonderful as everyone has said. His loss is immeasurable and sad beyond words. I felt called to share how I was feeling and to say to his parents and family that your love for Kip comes through loud and clear. It has touched my heart. May his memory continue to be a blessing to you.
Thomas
June 23, 2021
I wish you all the strength from the other side of the world. I only needed to see his picture to know that he was as you all described. You all just have to wait until you can finally see him fishing again with his grandfather in heaven!
Jen
June 15, 2021
Kip was not only funny and charming but also one of my best friends that were always there for me. No one knew me like Chris did and I am so sorry for the loss in everyone's life. I give my support to the Nininger family. I miss you, Kip.
Debbie Johnson
May 15, 2021
To the Nininger Family, especially, Tracie, his mother: Words cannot express what I felt when I learned of Kip's passing......I felt like my heart just broke in two especially for Tracie. I did not know Kip personally, but I know he had to be a really good person. Tracie, you are a special lady and mother and I cannot fathom what you must be going thru. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family everyday and praying that God will see you thru this. And always know that you have a friend in me. Love, Debbie
Donna Entsminger
May 14, 2021
My condolences to this young man´s Parents, Grandparents and and the rest of his Family. There is no loss as the loss of a child. Prayers for the Dowell and Nininger families.
Cindy Moses
May 14, 2021
Chris...there are just no words to express the sadness I feel inside after hearing about this! My heart breaks for you! Just know I'm thinking of you guys!
Gayle Richmond
May 13, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bring each of you peace and comfort. Prayers for all !
Robert and Tiffany Russell and Robert Jr (Little Man)
May 13, 2021
There are no words to express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. I can not fathom what you are feeling right now. Kip was a great young man and one heck of a wrestler. He and our son met a few times on the mat. I pray you find peace and comfort.
Bruce & Yvonne Michie
May 13, 2021
We are so very sorry for this tragic loss.
CANDY WALLACE
May 13, 2021
There are no words Hugs and lots of love and prayer. He will always shine bright in your heart and memories.
Roger Daugherty
May 13, 2021
I did not personally know Kip but have a good sense of the kind of young man he was through my brother . Which he always would speak highly of Kip and all of his Athletic accomplishments and was one of the best at what he did although a life cut short a life well lived. May God bless the family during this time of sorrow.
Clayton & Kathi Anderson
May 12, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss! Prayers to you and your family!
Nicki Breedlove
May 12, 2021
Prayers going up for you all. Really hate y´all have to go through this tragedy. such a fine looking young man. So sorry. Need anything-Rusty and I are here.
Patty Rucker
May 12, 2021
Carrie,
There are no words for a time like this!
I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Love you always!
Suzann Bowman, CMC Supply, Inc.
May 12, 2021
Chris, On behalf of everyone at CMC, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Suzann
Suzanne Farmer
May 12, 2021
To Chris & Rachel Nininger (and entire family): In trying to figure out what & how to say anything, I come back to the same place...my heart breaks for you all. I am truly, truly so sorry that you or anyone would ever have to go through this and can only hope and pray that God will provide your family peace and comfort to see you through this most difficult time. I will always fondly remember the sweet stories Chris shared w/me of some of his & Kip's travel adventures and the pride Chris would exude when talking about these and Kip's wrestling and all his accomplishments. I also enjoyed hearing about the handmade Christmas tree ornaments that would be gifted to signify a special planned trip...another very sweet & thoughtful way to share those special memories created. Even though I didn't know Kip personally, I'm thankful for the time Chris took to share those special moments with me, from one proud parent to another, allowing me to understand the unconditional love and so much pride Chris & Rachel had for Kip. No greater loss could exist from a parent losing a child but I trust that God has given you all such a large family & group of friends to love and support each other to help carry you through. May God bless and comfort each and everyone one of you, today and all the days to come!
teresa tyree
May 12, 2021
I am still at a loss for words.other than to say what a awsome young man.his smile,his kindness,always willing to lead a hand, his drive to do the best he could and never give nothing but a 100 percent of him self in every step he took. You could be having a tuff day and you would see kip or a face book post of him and his dad and it just brightened your hole day.for the first day i met kip i said if we only had 20 kids just like him what a woundful world this would be.thank you for sharing your life with us kip.i will always remember you them now and forever.
Danny & Vonda Broom
May 12, 2021
To the entire Nininger family: Through our daughter Jourdan & son in law Matt, because of Noah I was briefly introduced to this world of wrestling in the Roanoke Valley. Although I still don´t understand scoring & probably never will, I quickly noticed the Niningers were a significant part of that world, I also noticed the passion of the wrestling family, the dedication & commitment of the wrestlers, and I admired the skill & precision of the coaches like Kip´s uncle Tim. I saw firsthand the generosity of the Niningers from the simple gesture of chik-filet sandwiches to hosting kids in their homes who just wanted an opportunity to wrestle at the highest level. No one understands God´s plan & I´ve been blessed to know the love a parent has for a child, a love that is unwavering & unconditional. I believe God allows us to experience that love which is like no other so we can fully appreciate his sacrifice of his son for us. You are all in my prayers & I´m thankful I had the opportunity to watch Kip at his finest moment on the mat. May God bless & comfort you.
Sam & Sheila Clements
May 12, 2021
Our hearts go out to the Nininger family.
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