Jack Stipes

WWII veteran Jack Allan Stipes, 93, passed away April 15, 2020 in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.

A private, military funeral will be held Monday, April 20, 2020 at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. The Military Celebration Of Life will be held in December of this year.  Details to follow.

Jack was born June 11, 1926 and was raised by his maternal grandmother, Minnie Allan, in North Birmingham. Drafted to serve in the 10th Armored Division of General George Patton’s 3rd Army during WWII, Jack fought for the freedom of others in Germany and Belgium. On April 8, 1945, while fighting in Germany, he was wounded after a tank exploded, leaving him severely injured and blind in one eye. For his sacrifice and heroism, Jack was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

After the service, he returned to Birmingham and eventually made his way to Fairhope, Alabama. It was in Fairhope where he met the love of his life, Zora Wright Stipes, at a local Jitterbug dance hall. They were married for 51 years.

Jack’s work ethic was unrivaled, and he never followed the crowd. He had a 35-year career working on aircraft for the United States Navy at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. He also served as a city councilman in Fairhope for 8 years. After retiring from the Navy, he and his cousin, Earl Thompson, partnered to establish and run the Shoreline Mower Company, a lawnmower repair business on Hwy 98 in Fairhope. After moving back to Birmingham in 2000 to be closer to family, Jack had a ~15-year career working for Lowe’s in various departments where he retired (again) at the age of 90. During his spare time, he loved watching the Alabama Crimson Tide dominate college football and win multiple National Championships.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Ray, and her husband and Jack’s best friend, Brad Ray; daughter, Debbie Huddleston; grandchildren George Huddleston, Michael Huddleston, and Janie Huddleston Suter; soon-to-be-born great grandson, Harold George Suter; dogs KC, Zobie, and Molly; and many cousins and friends.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee on behalf of Jack.

Condolences may be sent to 4331 Village Green Way, Hoover, Alabama 35226