Tommy Edward Hipps

Tommy Edward Hipps was a beloved father, Papa, firefighter, first responder, and faithful servant of the Lord. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, and unwavering devotion to the people who meant the most to him.

To know Tommy was to know a man with a big heart, a quick sense of humor, a protective spirit, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him. He was the kind of man who would show up when you needed him, stand up when someone needed protecting, and find a way to make you laugh even when life was hard. To many, he was a trusted leader and a dedicated public servant. To his children and grandchildren, he was their protector, their hero, and, without a doubt, the greatest Daddy and Papa they could have ever asked for.

Tommy devoted more than 37 years of his life to serving his community as a firefighter and first responder, with over 20 of those years serving as Captain of County Farm Fire Department. Throughout those years, he answered calls, faced the unknown, and stood ready to help others in their times of need. He proudly wore his turnout gear and carried the responsibility of protecting others with courage, dedication, and a servant’s heart. His call number, 1403, represented years of commitment to a calling he took seriously and a community he loved. He didn’t simply answer the call; he lived it. Service was more than a job to him; it was part of who he was. His years of dedication touched countless lives, and the impact he made on his community and his fire department family will never be forgotten.

While his years in the fire service were a tremendous part of his life, his greatest pride and most treasured title was being Daddy and Papa. His children knew him as their protector, the one they could count on, the one who would stand beside them, and the one whose love was never in question. His grandchildren brought him a special kind of joy, and being their Papa was a blessing that made his life all the richer. Whether through his humor, his guidance, his protection, or simply being present, Tommy created memories and bonds that will remain in their hearts forever. His family was his legacy, and the love he poured into them will continue through generations.

Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Teresa Ann Arnold-Hipps; his father, Edward Hipps; and his mother, Inez Hipps.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving children: Brittani (Dylan) Mercer, Kinley (Ciera) Hipps, and Danielle (Zack) Atkins; Siblings Tim (Wendy) Hipps, Angela (Ryan) Spallinger; Special Friend Ricky (Tina) Johnson.

His legacy of love continues through his grandchildren: Lloyd Garner III, Paxtan Dutka, Kyzer Hipps, Emberly Mercer, Tucker Wilson, Logan Mercer, Milley Hipps, RayAnn Mercer, and Parker Kate Atkins, along with his soon-to-arrive granddaughter, Devyn Grace Atkins, who will forever be a precious part of his family’s story.

Above all, Tommy was a man of faith. He was a faithful member of Sand Hill Baptist Church and also attended services at Friendship Congregational Christian Church of Baxley. His faith was an important part of his life, and the example he set through his service, kindness, and love for others will continue to speak long after his earthly journey has ended.

Scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

These words are a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life answering the call to serve, protecting those around him, loving his family fiercely, and remaining faithful through life’s journey.

Tommy’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him. His children have lost their Daddy, his grandchildren have lost their Papa, his family has lost their protector, and his community has lost a dedicated servant and friend. Yet the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he gave will never be lost.

The fire calls he answered may have come to an end, but the impact of his service will live on. His turnout gear may be hung up, but the courage, dedication, and selflessness he carried throughout his years of service will never be forgotten. The man who spent so many years answering the call to protect others will forever be remembered as the man who loved and protected his family above all else.

Tommy was more than a firefighter. He was a Daddy, a Papa, a protector, a hero, and a man who made a difference simply by being who he was.

His earthly watch has ended, but his legacy will never fade. Until they meet again, he will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever their hero.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026, 6-8 p.m., at Swain Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Friendship Congregational Christian Church with Rev. C. J. Keister and Rev. Joe Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow in Sand Hill Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jeff Williams, Jr., Alan Johnson, Brent Johnson, Billy Coleman, Albert Coleman, Orrin Johnson, Lee Reynolds, and Charlie Branch.

Honorary pallbearers will be Members of the Appling County Fire Department and Baxley Fire Department and the employees of Rayonier.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

Rest easy, 1403. Your watch is over, but your legacy lives on.