Ernest Tipton, age 89, Erwin, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2020 at the Christian Care Center of Unicoi County. He is a son of the late Hugh and Mollie Collins Tipton. Ernest was a native of Unicoi County and he lived in Waukegan, IL for several years before returning to Erwin in 1990. He was a United States Army Veteran. Ernest was awarded a National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Ernest was a member of American Legion and VFW. Ernest retired from International Harvester in 1990 where he worked as a Machinist for twenty-five years. After his retirement, Ernest worked as a Real Estate Agent in Illinois and for Preferred Realty in Erwin. Ernest loved playing Solitaire on his computer, telling stories about growing up, watching westerns and playing his guitar. In addition to his parents, he was prededed in death by his wife, Ruth Christine Tipton on December 29, 2008; four brothers: Ed, Elmer, Bill and Hubert Tipton; two sisters: Lucille Effler and Betty McIntosh. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, one sister, Alice Webster; special niece and nephew, Rhonda and Robby White; several other nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor David Crutchfield will officiate the 7:00 PM service. Committal will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 8, 2020 in the Washington County Memory Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 AM on Monday. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Tipton family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Tipton family. (423) 743-1380.