Robert Claude Lipford

Robert (Bob) Claude Lipford, 87, went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2024. Bob was the son of the late Faye Payne Lipford and Claude Arlis Lipford. He was born in Hartwell, West Virginia, then grew up in War, West Virginia. Bob, a long-time Tidewater resident, was a loving husband and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Izetta. He is also survived by their four children: Klaudia K. Lipford and husband Brian Cloud, Robert W. Lipford and wife Connie, Grayson F. Lipford and wife Lauri, Shana L. Corday and husband Nathan; five grandchildren: Autumn Rae, Caleb Forest, Logan William, Andrew Harrison, and Rebecca Ann, and three great nieces: Natasha Elders, Harley Snyder, and Gwen Elders. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Roby Sherwood Lipford and Arlis Gwin Lipford, and his niece Sherry Kay Massengill. Bob was a dedicated servant of Christ who taught Sunday School for many years and was involved in the church foot ministry. He was a long-time member of the Portsmouth Gideons and his church memberships included Alexander Baptist Church, Nansemond River Baptist Church, Western Branch Baptist Church, and Grove Park Baptist Church. Bob was a career educator, retiring from the Virginia Beach Public Schools in 1993. He taught geography and social studies at several high schools and often worked extra in the summers to support the family. Bob was extremely generous and had a great sense of humor. He loved to joke and talk to people from all walks of life. He loved to watch westerns and football. After retirement, Bob and Izetta were blessed to be able to travel the world. Of their many trips, he often said that he loved the safari in East Africa because he was able to view the migration of the animals and meet the lovely people there. There will be a visitation with family and friends at Loving Funeral Home (3225 Academy Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23703) Thursday, January 18 th from 6-7:30 pm and the funeral service will be held there at 1 pm Friday, January 19 th , with Reverend Joe Hoggard, Lead Pastor of West Union First Assembly of God, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater (https://cpcfriends.org/ourministry/) or Gideons International (https://www.gideons.org/).