Andrew Norman Gipson, Sr.

SERVICES: MONDAY,JUNE 9, 20143:00 P.M.MCCLAIN-HAYS CHAPELVISITATION: SUNDAY,JUNE 8, 20145:00-7:00 P.M.MONDAY,JUNE 9,20141:00 P.M. UNTIL SERVICE TIMEINTERMENT: CEDARLAWN CEMETERYAndrew Norman Gipson, Sr., 90, passed away on June 6, 2014 at his daughter, Sandra's home in Memphis, TN surrounded by love and family. Mr. Gipson, a World War II veteran, served his country proudly in the Pacific Theater at Pearl Harbor. He obtained a Masters Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.  Prior to his retirement he worked for Lion Oil Company and was named Monsanto's Salesman of the Year. He was a very successful business and family man. He was truly a great presence of a man, known for his gentle kindness and sincere interest in others. He always did the right thing even when no one knew. "Perfect gentleman" was the universal description for all who knew him.  He was a kind, thoughtful, unassuming man with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor.  He loved his family.  For Emma, Norman brought joy in the morning that lasted throughout the day.  For his children, of whom he was exceedingly proud, he was a source of unconditional love and constant support, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams, telling them many times over the years, "If you love what you do, then you will always be successful." For his grandchildren, he provided a loving lap and a sense of playfulness and the ability to pretend, which resulted in gales of laughter throughout the house. When Norman's health failed, he made every effort to fight the good fight and remained the ultimate gentleman till the end. He was preceded in death by his parents Aline and Jay Gipson, and his wife of 58 years, Emma Gipson. He is survived by a daughter, Sandy Graham (David); a son, Andy Gipson (Eleanor); three grandchildren, Joseph Gipson and Jayne Gipson of Memphis, TN and Lydia Gipson of Los Angeles, CA; and a sister, Sue Barnett (Bill) of Carthage, MS.Pallbearers were Tommy Wilkes, Michael Cournoyer, Kip Collum, Johnnie Nolan and Joseph Gipson.  Honorary pallbearers were Donald Smith and Hunter Pratt.