Joseph Rabon Tippett

BATTLEBORO – Joseph “Rabon” Tippette, age 85, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Born in Halifax County, NC on January 8, 1939, he was the son of the late Johnnie Eljiah Tippette, Sr. and Vallie Ruth Duke Tippette. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Elizabeth Tippette, his daughter, Tammy Tippette Long, his sister, Dorothy Lucille Tippette Adams, and his brothers, MacDonald Tippette and Johnnie Eljiah Tippette, Jr.

A dedicated and hard worker, Rabon grew up working alongside his brothers on the family farm. As a young man in high school, he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and throughout his life he was never one to pass up an opportunity to go fishing or hunting. Following high school, Rabon went to work for the City of Rocky Mount until his retirement after many years as a power lineman supervisor. He always had a youthful personality, whether it was challenging his grandchildren to a foot race at the age of 80 or racing them on four wheelers. Rabon took pride in and enjoyed working in his yard and garden and he especially loved riding his Harley on the open road. A strong believer in family, he always made time to sit and spend time with his children trading jokes and having a good laugh. A loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Rabon will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Rabon is survived by his children, Kim Padilla and husband, Angel, Joey Tippette and wife, Tina, and Sherrie Wright and husband, Jack; his grandchildren, Chris Edwards, Amy Woodard, Demetrius Padilla, Travis Tippette, Eric, Josh, and Jordan Long, and Brent, Brian, and Seth Wright; his great grandchildren, Christopher and Jordan Edwards, Isaiah, Ella, and Imrald Woodard, Conner and Ella Grace Tippette, Peyton and Liam Long, and Cameron Wright; his brother, Bobby Tippette and wife, Betty; his sister, Betty Tippette Freeman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Rabon’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Jerry Braziel officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.