Billy Ray Lipe

Billy Ray Lipe, 75, of China Grove, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his home. He was born on October 19, 1949, to the late Bill and Edith Childers Lipe in Rowan County.

Billy proudly served in the United Sates Army from 1968 to 1970 where he did receive a National Defense Service Medal. Before and after his time in the service, he lived and worked on a large family farm. During those years, he also worked in construction.

Billy was a former member of Unity Baptist Church in Kannapolis. He was a member at the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. Billy loved riding motorcycles. He rode with Moose Riders and the Am. Vet Riders. Billy loved going to car shows and showing off his classic cars. He loved being with people and having you laughing. Billy’s biggest passion was fishing! He loved being on a boat and fishing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Eric (Joyce)n Lipe of Salisbury, NC; his grandson, Lathem Lipe; two step grandsons, Kevin (Leah) Washam of Brookville, IN and Jeremy Williams of Windell, NC; his fiancé, Sarah Lewis, of China Grove; two sisters, Norma Tutterow of Kann., and Rachel Shulenberger of Concord; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Lois Seagle and Faye Hensley.

Visitation for Billy will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083. A Graveside service will take place at 2:30 PM in Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, NC 28144, with Pastor Cody Zorn officiating and military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.