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Celebrating the life of

Edward H. Zipperer

August 08, 1931 - October 24, 2024

FORMER STATE SENATOR

Edward H. Zipperer

Edward Helmey Zipperer

Edward H Zipperer “Ed” or “Zip” died on October 24, 2024, after a wonderful 93-year life well lived. He was truly a local legend.

He was born in Savannah on August 8, 1931 (even though his birth certificate said August 9th) to the late Hattie Mae Helmey and James Forrester Zipperer, Sr.

Ed grew up farming. Since the 1920’s, the Zipperer family was part of a large truck farming cooperative that involved a significant portion of southwest Chatham County near Hwy 17 and the Historic Bamboo Farm. The Zipperers were vegetable farmers and shipped these products far and wide by rail. They grew Irish potatoes, collards, cabbage, watermelon, sugar cane, sweet corn and had over 250 Pecan trees. Ed later focused the farm on soybeans, hay, and rye. They also raised beef cattle. In 1996, Ed donated 22 acres of the farm to the Chatham County School System and sold 44 more acres to create the Forrester and Hattie Helmey Zipperer Complex that houses Southwest Elementary and Middle Schools. He wanted to honor his parents and their contributions to the community. In addition to the schools, what was the Zipperer farm and homestead is now the site of Henderson Golf Course, its surrounding neighborhood, as well as Compassion Christian Church.

Ed graduated from Savannah High School where he was a standout in football. He has enjoyed many gatherings of the Cobra Club connecting with men from Savannah High & Commercial High. Ed attended and played football at Clemson and the University of Georgia where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1954. He forever became an avid UGA fan.

In 1965, a few friends asked Ed to coach the Richmond Hill High School boys’ basketball team, one of only 16 integrated teams in the state. While he had never played much basketball, his biggest concern was how to feed an integrated team on the road. His solution was he bought a hot dog machine and enlisted his wife to cook hot dogs for the team. Ed led the team to finish 10th in the state that year.

Ed dedicated his life to improving the great state of Georgia. He served in the State Senate for 8 years (1967-75) and was on 13 different committees during his tenure. Senator Zipperer's significant organizational and leadership talents, his remarkable patience and diplomacy, his keen sense of vision, and his sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of the state earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates. He was most proud of his service as Chair of the University System of Georgia and in forming Skidaway Island State Park, Fort McAllister State Park and King’s Ferry Ogeechee River Recreational parks in Coastal Georgia. Throughout his lifetime, Ed remained committed to serving and protecting the beautiful lands of South Georgia by serving on the Coastal Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District and Coastal Georgia RC&D Council for over 40 years.

He was exceptionally proud of being a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, member of the Alee Temple, and Alee Clowns for 50 years; and being President of the GA Farm Bureau for 45 years until his death. Ed stayed involved in politics and was a lifelong public servant and outstanding citizen. He was a Georgia Salzburger, a member of the German Heritage Society, and the Lutheran Church of the Ascension.

An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf with the Georgia Seniors. He was most happy when he was on the water at his home on the Grove River. He could usually be found at his dock house telling “stories” to his many friends or watching sports with his beloved cat, Bullet, sitting on the top of his chair. Ed was also very proud of all his children and loved that they would all gather at “The River” for holidays and family events. He often commented on what a wonderful and full life he had and how blessed he was to have so many friends and a family that loved him.

Ed was preceded in death by his brother, James F. Zipperer, Jr.; sister, Juanita Ford; his two beloved wives Nina Dorris Arnold and Delorise “Lois” Accord; and his daughter, Renay McClain; son-in-law, Dick Pollard. He will be deeply missed by his son, Daniel Zipperer (Alex) and daughters: Laura Zipperer (Gail), Tamera Kish, Tina Pollard, Melissa Wheeler (Tim), and Courtney Loadholt. He is also survived by grandchildren: Lauren Davis, Brittney Lightsey (Travis), Breane Knowles (Dustin), Christopher Wheeler (Melanie), Ryan Wheeler (Casey); and great grandchildren Brayden, Emmery, Ezra, Amethyst, Baylor, Bristol, and Silas.

Visitation will be Friday, November 1st, 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral service on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at Fox and Weeks, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, GA 31406

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alee Clowns, 100 Eisenberg Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 120 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

 

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Mr. Ed was a wonderful man. I will miss visiting with him when we'd go to the Island. Prayers to the family.

- Phillip Kinard and Starr Dillon , Aiken, South Carolina

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Mr. Ed was a wonderful man and the best boss. As Chatham County Farm Bureau's president he always showed kindness and compassion through his leadership. Our prayers are with his family.

- Irma ORTIZ, SAVANNAH, GA

Coach was one of a kind. He taught us well in learning and basketball. He never forgot me in later life. I changed in appearance but he never did. It sticks in my mind when we talked about Washington when he was there, he said jimmy I had to get out of that place, parties every night he said he was not raised that way. His mom and dad were close friends with my family , I always thought ms.Hattie was my aunt? Coach told me at practice one day as we ran exercising- here told me I ran like a ruptured elephant, get off your ass and run...it stuck my mind for life.

- J.R.(Jimmy) Gill, Midway, Georgia

Mr. Ed was always such a sweet and kind soul. He will be missed by his conservation family!

- NancyAnne Conner, Soperton, Georgia

Zip will be sorely missed by everyone who was blessed to meet him. He’s been family to us in every way that mattered, and we’re heartbroken to have him leave us. Love to you all.

- Domanski, SAVANNAH, GA

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I have known and loved Ed for nearly 40 years. He was always so kind and I cherish the wonderful memories of him.

- Letha Brazell , Guyton , Ga

He was Mr Zip to those of us from Canada, we who count ourselves privileged for having met the fine southern gentleman on several occasions, when invited into his veranda over the water for a glass of cool refreshment and warm hospitality, the chance to enjoy his quick wit and delightful company. Ever the gracious host, Mr Zip always wanted to hear about how you were doing, what was new with you and how the rest of the family was doing, too. He was genuinely pleased to welcome visitors and always made you feel at home, a statesman through and through. He will be dearly missed, but forever admired for the gift of friendship he shared unstintingly.

- Allyson Domanski, Ottawa, Ontario

I will miss you Uncle Zip. Loved our time together this summer.

- Mark Arnold, Bay Shore, NY

Zip, our hearts are full of love for you. We'll always cherish our visits to the dock house, sharing stories and laughter with Mark, Andrea, Tina, Lora, Gail, and the kids. You'll be dearly missed.

- Bruce and Leigh Ann Egart, Savannah , Ga

My dear Laura, Gail, and family, our heartfelt condolences. A life well lived indeed.

- Gisele and H. Clyde Clark, St Petersburg , FL

What an incredible life! We were fortunate to have met him and listen to his stories in his boathouse. A life well lived!

- Ken Richman & Chuck Barscz, Philadelphia , PA

Damn good man!

- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga

May his memory be a blessing to his family. I met Zip when he was 17 and was 4. He was a life long friend to our family and served as a pallbearer when my father passed in 1977. One of the greats.

- Sonja Canas Held, Savannah, Georgia

One of my fondest childhood memories is a visit to Mr. Zipperer's farm and of eating corn fresh off the stalk! He was always smiling, and I enjoyed seeing him at church through the years. He was truly one of Georgia's finest. My condolences to his family.

- Kathleen Brewin Lewis, Atlanta, GA

Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family. We loved Mr. Ed! He was a good man and will be missed dearly.

- Leigh and Gary Bell, Bellville, GA

Some of my fondest memories are when I first moved to Savannah 30+ years ago at Zips dock house. Friends with Tim and Melissa and honored for the invites. Melissa taught me how to catch shrimp and clean them off that dock. Zip took us boating and showed us all around. New Year parties, and a talking stuffed parrot. Zip and Lois always made us feel welcome. Zip is a great man and I am honored to have met him. Life well lived. Fly high.

- Teresa Love, Savannah , GA

We will remember Zip and his love to tell stories about the past and his Savannah home-town. A wonderful, welcoming person who was so easy to spend time with.

- Susan Marvin, Fletcher, NC

Ed was a great friend and an astute businessman. I had the honor of working with him on several business transactions and will miss his outgoing friendliness and seeing him with a big cigar. Rest in peace my friend.

- J Curtis Lewis III, Savannah, GA

I am so very sorry for your loss and sad that we are out of town this weekend. He was such a lovely person and will be missed. He came to Mom’s funeral and it meant so much I had hoped to return the kindness.

- Catherine Myrick Gussler, Savannah, Ga

Uncle Ed, I will miss you and our chats where you shared your wisdom and, often, offered me sound and reliable advice. You were always there for me whenever I needed you. There was no one else like you. May God bless you and keep you always and give you Peace.

- J. Forrester Zipperer III, Jacksonville , FL

I was fortunate to meet Zip when I moved to Savannah - hopping onto his dock was a regular event with my family (Andrea, Mark, Cole an Reese) as we cruised down the river. We were always welcomed, had good conversations and laughed a lot! Let’s not forget his parties………fun and more laughter. Cruising on the river certainly wont be the same!! Sincere condolences. Maureen

- Maureen Rea (Andreas mom), Wilmington, NC

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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