ForeverMissed
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His Life
December 31, 2015

He was born January 12, 1948 in Newnan, Georgia, the son of Laura Rose Shoemaker Lipham and the late, Thomas A. Lipham, Jr. He grew up in Heard County with his brothers Mark, Luke, and Joe Lipham. After graduating top in his class from Heard County High School in 1965, he attended Emory at Oxford College, and Emory University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1969, followed by a Master’s of Education from Georgia State University in 1971.

From a very early age it was clear that young Tom had a tremendous heart for two things, his Lord and the love and care of mankind. While still in college Tom served at the Roosevelt Rehabilitation Center in Warm Springs, Georgia. This act began a lifelong joy of serving others. After graduating from college, his work led him to Columbus, Georgia, where he acted as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and administrator of a rehabilitation home with the Georgia Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Later when a position opened up close to home he moved to the office in Carrollton, Georgia from which he later retired. After his retirement Tom devoted himself to his mother’s care, to the preaching and teaching of Jesus Christ, and the preservation of the historical Salem United Methodist Church where his family attended services for over four generations. In 2014, he was instrumental, along with Owen Davis, Jr., in purchasing the church from the North Georgia United Methodist Church Conference. Since that time, Tom had preached Sunday services at the newly named Salem Church, and was serving as one of its trustees. He also served on the Flat Rock Campground Board of Directors, and was a member of the Heard County Historical Society. Tom was a very gifted pianist, and played for many church services, weddings, and funerals. His beautiful music added to any service. He spent much time corresponding with beloved members of his Heard County graduating class. Many hours were spent each weak visiting elderly and sick friends who would otherwise have no companionship. He had a deep devotion to his God, and a tremendous understanding of His Word. This knowledge was obtained by his great dedication to daily study of the Word. He was a gifted teacher who brought the Bible to life for all who were in his congregation. Other than his Lord, his greatest joy in life was serving his beloved family, and friends. His gentle spirit and dedication to all who knew him will long be remembered.

He is survived by his beloved mother, Laura Lipham of Franklin, GA.; three brothers, Dr. Mark Lipham (Ellen) of Carrollton, GA., Dr. Luke Lipham (Suzanne) of Franklin, GA., and Dr. Joe Lipham also of Franklin; one adoring niece and several nephews; and a host of friends.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Lipham, Jr.; grandparents, Thomas Lipham, Sr. and Sallie Hardy Lipham; and aunt and uncle, Dorothy Lipham and Whitley Barrett.