SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 1540
By Yager
A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Dr. Alton Wayne Tipps.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Dr. Alton Wayne Tipps; and WHEREAS, Dr. Tipps was a beloved educator, dedicated public servant, and consummate professional who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in numerous capacities; and WHEREAS, Dr. Wayne Tipps was born on November 10, 1938, in Winchester to
Reverend Virgil and Ruth Tipps; and WHEREAS, he received a bachelor's degree in music from Middle Tennessee State University, a master's degree from Vanderbilt University, and a doctoral degree in music education from the University of Michigan; and WHEREAS, from 1972 to 1999, Dr. Tipps served with distinction as Professor of Music Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT); and WHEREAS, prior to his illustrious tenure at UT, he served as Dean of Students and Conductor of the Orchestra at Shenandoah Conservatory and College of Music in Virginia; and WHEREAS, Dr. Wayne Tipps also previously served as Director of Bands at Frederick College in Virginia; under his direction, the marching and concert bands rose to become the premier ensemble in the state of Virginia; and WHEREAS, during his academic career, Dr. Tipps served as Music Minister at
Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church in Knoxville, as well as at Luminary Methodist Church in Ten Mile; and WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Dr. Wayne Tipps is survived by his beloved wife of
sixty-five years, Erna Freudenburg Tipps; his sister, Betty Sue Cauthen; daughters, Shelley Tipps (Mike) Keeley and Dee Tipps; grandchildren, Jordie Keeley (Ross) Ivey, Zade (Caroline)
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Shamsi-Basha, Tyler (Rachel) Keeley, Dury Shamsi-Basha, Demi Shamsi-Basha, and Drake Lindell; and great-grandson, Samuel Ivey; and WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents; and WHEREAS, respected and admired by his many friends and colleagues, Dr. Tipps took great pride in making his community and State a better place for all; and WHEREAS, Dr. Wayne Tipps leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen endeavors; and WHEREAS, it is fitting that this General Assembly should pause to remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant, educator, and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Dr. Alton Wayne Tipps,
reflecting fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences to the family of Dr. Tipps.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear without House or Senate designation.
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