Forrest Fitts Lipe's Obituary
Forrest Fitts Lipe, known affectionately to all as "Fitts," passed away on January 26, 2026, in Jackson, TN. He was 79 years old.
Born in Paris, AR, to the late Forrest F. Lipe and Margaret Fitts, Fitts led a life defined by service, faith, and a dedication to his community. As the son of a railroad employee, he spent his childhood traveling across the country, living in Memphis, TN; Birmingham, AL; Yazoo City, MS; and North Plainfield, NJ, before eventually making his permanent home in Jackson.
Fitts served his country with honor in the United States Air Force, stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Upon returning home, he enrolled at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he was an active member of the local veterans' fraternity and earned his degree in Civil Engineering.
He moved to Jackson, TN, to begin a long and respected career as a Civil Engineer with the Jackson Utility Division (now Jackson Energy Authority). It was in Jackson that he helped found the city's first singles club, a decision that would shape the rest of his life, as it was there that he met his future wife, Mary Breen.
Fitts and Mary built a life of 47 years together and welcomed their son, Charles Michael Lipe. Fitts took immense pride in fatherhood, which led him to a second "career" in mentorship. Because of Michael's involvement, Fitts became deeply active in the Boy Scouts of America. He spent multiple summers working as a Shooting Sports Instructor at Camp Mack Morris and served as Camp Commissioner at the Woodruff Scout Reservation north of Atlanta, GA.
Even after retiring from the Jackson Utility Division, Fitts's desire to guide young people continued. He began substitute teaching and eventually took a position overseeing In-School Suspension at Liberty High School. Combining his passion for shooting sports with his dedication to students, he helped found and coach the Liberty High School Trap Shooting Team.
A devout Catholic, Fitts was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Jackson. He was a pillar of the Knights of Columbus, holding several leadership roles and tirelessly volunteering for events and fundraisers.
In his quiet moments, Fitts enjoyed golf, woodworking, reloading and being on the river. He expressed his love for others through food, often found cooking meals for his family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Breen Lipe, and his son, Charles Michael Lipe. He also leaves behind his cousins, Rick and Mary Fitts, David Fitts and Bert Magh, and Carla Lewton; as well as his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Mary Jo Breen, the late Mike and Pat Breen, and Dan and Linda Breen, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 6th from 10:00Am until 11:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rosary will be at 11:30 with Mass following at noon. Father Dennis Schenkel will be the celebrant.
Friendship Funeral Home 731-677-2673
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