Thomas Wise Flippin departed peacefully on January 13, 2024, after a brief illness. Born on January 15, 1934, in Jackson, Mississippi, Tom was the youngest of four siblings, distinguished by his towhead amidst a family of brunettes. Raised with mischief and laughter as constant companions, he was renowned for his pranks and playful antics, sporting an infectious sense of humor that made him the life of any gathering.

Tom's journey led him to Memphis during his adolescence, where he graduated from East High School before pursuing studies at Memphis State University. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. Throughout his career in sales, Tom and his family traversed the country, making memories in various locales until finding solace in retirement along the serene banks of the St. John's River in northeastern Florida, a place he deemed the most beautiful on earth.

To his family, Tom was full of joviality and fun. With his quick wit and ever-present grin, he reveled in mischief, filling any room with laughter and fun. An intrepid traveler in his youth and a devoted reader in later years, becoming a devoted customer of the Bostwick Library. Tom appreciated a well-told story and was known to embellish the truth at times himself. But his charismatic charm and good looks likely shielded him from any adverse consequences of spreading tall tales, endearing him to all who crossed his path.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, William Randall and Louise Wise Flippin, his brother William Randall Flippin, Jr., his sisters Patricia Flippin Smithwick and Barbara Flippin Graves, his grandson, Joshua Sullivan Benton, and numerous loyal Weimaraner companions. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 60 years, Bonnie Jordan Flippin, his faithful Weimaraner, Archie, his children Lynnette Flippin Bugg, Mack Edward Flippin, Thomas Victor Flippin (Dee), and Laurie Flippin Spear (Russ), his grandchildren Virginia Bugg Eady (Hallman) and Jason Tyler Flippin (Amanda), his great-grandchildren Virginia Harris Eady, Louise Hallman Eady, and Evelyn Jo Flippin, his step-grandchildren Caleb and Stephen Collins, cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.

For nearly three decades, Tom found solace and joy living on the banks of the St. John's River, where he reveled in the beauty of nature, fishing, and boating, witnessing both sunrise and sunset from his pier. In accordance with his wishes, a gathering and celebration of Tom's life will be held at a future date, where family and friends will come together, either physically or in spirit, to honor his memory in the midst of the river he loved.

Tom's spirit of adventure, humor, and love will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his warmth and laughter. May he rest in eternal peace, forever loved and dearly missed.  

The family asks that donations be made to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.

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