I'd never had a personal relationship with my newspaper carrier; I did with Ruck. I never saw him when the paper was delivered, O no, 'cause I was still between the sheets. I usually saw him later in the morning as I worked my yard: he'd always stop, he'd say hello and we'd exchange some pleasantries. I thought, gosh this guy is so friendly, back out on the route when I knew he'd been there hours before. Ruck obviously loved what he was doing---and now reading that the route was his deceased wife's and his effort was a tribute to her---WOW, that's really heavy! The special people who walk by in one's life's journey so often are appreciated when no longer in your life. Ruck was one of those people for me. What a man! RIP with the Lord, Ruck, your journey is over and you lived it so honorably. Each time I get my paper I'll smile and think of you. Peace to the family. He made us all proud. Clyde L. Olson, M.D.

- Clyde and Ellen Olson, savannah, GA

Great neighbor and friend will miss you

- Banks, savannah, ga

Dear Tipton family, Mr. Tipton was my newspaper delivery "gentleman" and I say gentleman rather than just delivery man because he really was a gentle soul. He was always so cheerful and was very dependable, reliable and happy-go-lucky all of the time. Our community is certainly a better place because of Mr. Tipton and the life he led. Please accept my condolences and sympathy. I will keep your entire family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and as you begin your grief journey without Mr. Tipton in your lives. May God grant you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Virginia Love, Savannah, Georgia

- Virginia Love, Savannah, Ga

You will surely be missed. Great man and leader in our ROTC class of 1984, 1985 and 1986.

- The Pollard Family , Savannah, GA

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of SGM Tipton. A truly inspiring man to us-it was indeed a pleasure knowing him. He was Alexander's instructor at Beach High School and was a mentor to him. Our condolences.

- Clayton, Tina Brogdon, Alexander Miller, Savannah, GA

Our family will truly miss a "great" man and a "true" friend. We will all miss him deeply. I wish I could have spent more time with him in the last few years. He was a great influence in my personal life as well as my professional one. He will always be remembered as my friend.

- The Magnus Family, Savannah, GA

My condolences to the Tiptom Family. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories of Ruck linger in your hearts and bring you peace in days to come.

- Henry, Lawrenceville , GA

I would like to express my most sincere sympathy to the Tipton family. SGM Tipton was a Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Father figure, Role model, Counselor and most a Friend not only to myself but the many students he taught at A.E. Beach High School. As one of the many students whose life he has impacted throughout the years I must say that I am thankful and grateful that I had the opportunity to have him make a significant impact on my life and career. He was a great man and will truly be missed. Respectfully Larry Harris CSM (RET), USA and Former Cadet COL A.E. Beach class of 1985

- Larry Harris, Chancellor, AL

I cannot imagine the depth of your loss and all of it's dimensions. Ruck was a truly wonderful man. I have known him for many years and he was such a pleasant man to talk with. I shall miss him every day and I will remember his gentle soul. God bless you and your family. JFW

- James F White, LTC (Ret), Ph.D., Savannah, GA

I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I was in JROTC SGM Tipton was my instructor. SGM Tipton has help and guided a lot of students . You will be truly missed! My prayer goes out to the family.

- Adrian, Hattiesburg, MS

My deepest condolences. May the joy of the Lord be upon you.

- Drw, Dallas, Texas

To my mentor, friend and brother in arms. Thank you for watching and keeping over me, helping me to become a man. Rest in peace as you go home to be with our Lord. Your legacy lives on in all that you have touched. Sam Perry

- CPT Samuel Perry and the Perry family , Fairburn , GA

Ruck was a wonderful gentleman, very thoughtful and considerate, and we will really miss him.

- Bill and Helen Murdock, Savannah, GA

Ruck was a special man and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We are lucky to have known him - there are few as caring and out-going as that wonderful Ruck Tipton and the world is a better place because of him.

- Russell and Ann Fries, Savannah, ga

losing mr. t. has made me cry we all at the dutch island guard gate will miss him a lot. im sorry for such a loss of a great man. betty and all officers ,dutch island gate

- betty arnett, savannah, ga

Sgt. Major Tipton was a great man. He will be missed deeply. If it wasn't for him after I dropped out, I don't know where I would be at now. He pushed me to join the military and get away from the crowd of friends I was hanging out with at the time. Now I have my degree and teach middle school students. I even catch my self acting like him at times when it comes to teaching. My deepest condolences to his family and my prayers are with you during this time.

- Priscilla Kraut, Jacksonville, FL

Ruck was a very special person, I will always miss seeing & talking with him. Please accept my sincere condolence, MaryEllen Ward.

- MaryEllen Ward, Savannah, Ga

Sgt. Major Tipton was like a father to me in high school. He kept me as well as MANY other students at Beach High School on the right path. He was such a good man with a HUGE heart. He will be deeply missed by any and everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family.

- Becky Teter, Savannah, Ga

SGM Tipton was a wonderful man and father figure to all of his who attend Beach High School. He was there for everyone and will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family and thank you for sharing him with us.

- Kimetra Meachum, Savannah, Ga

We are very sorry to lose Ruck. He was a special friend to us and we will miss him.

- Frances and Robert Outlaw, Savannah, Ga

Sgt. Major Ruck Tipton was a gift to all of us. His kindness and thoughtfulness were, and are, a source of inspiration. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

- Bill Dickinson and Joe Ann Brandt, ,

Brother Ruck was the kindest, thoughtful, humble, knowledgeable, committed and dependable gentleman one could ever have the fortune of meeting. No request, or need was ever ignored. If he could not fix it, rare as that may have been, he would get someone who could. My deepest sympathy is extended to his family and many friends.

- Mary Hill, Savannah, Ga

Sgt Major Ruck Tipton was a great man. I would not have graduated high school if it were not for this guy. He was rough around the edges but that is what made him great, because you could count on him to tell it like it was. He is part of the reason I joined the US Marine Corps. I love you old man. RIP Sgt Maj Tipton.

- Earl Newton, Stafford, TX

I remember Sgt. Tiption in high school he was my JROTC instructor. He will be deeply missed and loved. RIP Tiption.

- Torisha kelly, Savannah, GA

May Jehovah the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)

- Jehovah's Witnesses , Pooler , Ga

I am so sorry for your loss! I found this scripture at revelations 21:3,4 encouraging, I hope it helps you and your family as well. Jehovah's witnesses

- Kelly, savannah, Ga

I'd never had a personal relationship with my newspaper carrier; I did with Ruck. I never saw him when the paper was delivered, O no, 'cause I was still between the sheets. I usually saw him later in the morning as I worked my yard: he'd always stop, he'd say hello and we'd exchange some pleasantries. I thought, gosh this guy is so friendly, back out on the route when I knew he'd been there hours before. Ruck obviously loved what he was doing---and now reading that the route was his deceased wife's and his effort was a tribute to her---WOW, that's really heavy! The special people who walk by in one's life's journey so often are appreciated when no longer in your life. Ruck was one of those people for me. What a man! RIP with the Lord, Ruck, your journey is over and you lived it so honorably. Each time I get my paper I'll smile and think of you. Peace to the family. He made us all proud. Clyde L. Olson, M.D.

- Clyde and Ellen Olson, savannah, GA

Great neighbor and friend will miss you

- Banks, savannah, ga

Dear Tipton family, Mr. Tipton was my newspaper delivery "gentleman" and I say gentleman rather than just delivery man because he really was a gentle soul. He was always so cheerful and was very dependable, reliable and happy-go-lucky all of the time. Our community is certainly a better place because of Mr. Tipton and the life he led. Please accept my condolences and sympathy. I will keep your entire family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and as you begin your grief journey without Mr. Tipton in your lives. May God grant you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Virginia Love, Savannah, Georgia

- Virginia Love, Savannah, Ga

You will surely be missed. Great man and leader in our ROTC class of 1984, 1985 and 1986.

- The Pollard Family , Savannah, GA

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of SGM Tipton. A truly inspiring man to us-it was indeed a pleasure knowing him. He was Alexander's instructor at Beach High School and was a mentor to him. Our condolences.

- Clayton, Tina Brogdon, Alexander Miller, Savannah, GA

Our family will truly miss a "great" man and a "true" friend. We will all miss him deeply. I wish I could have spent more time with him in the last few years. He was a great influence in my personal life as well as my professional one. He will always be remembered as my friend.

- The Magnus Family, Savannah, GA

My condolences to the Tiptom Family. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at John 5:28 [ to resurrect those who have been asleep in death]. May fond memories of Ruck linger in your hearts and bring you peace in days to come.

- Henry, Lawrenceville , GA

I would like to express my most sincere sympathy to the Tipton family. SGM Tipton was a Leader, Teacher, Mentor, Father figure, Role model, Counselor and most a Friend not only to myself but the many students he taught at A.E. Beach High School. As one of the many students whose life he has impacted throughout the years I must say that I am thankful and grateful that I had the opportunity to have him make a significant impact on my life and career. He was a great man and will truly be missed. Respectfully Larry Harris CSM (RET), USA and Former Cadet COL A.E. Beach class of 1985

- Larry Harris, Chancellor, AL

I cannot imagine the depth of your loss and all of it's dimensions. Ruck was a truly wonderful man. I have known him for many years and he was such a pleasant man to talk with. I shall miss him every day and I will remember his gentle soul. God bless you and your family. JFW

- James F White, LTC (Ret), Ph.D., Savannah, GA

I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I was in JROTC SGM Tipton was my instructor. SGM Tipton has help and guided a lot of students . You will be truly missed! My prayer goes out to the family.

- Adrian, Hattiesburg, MS

My deepest condolences. May the joy of the Lord be upon you.

- Drw, Dallas, Texas

To my mentor, friend and brother in arms. Thank you for watching and keeping over me, helping me to become a man. Rest in peace as you go home to be with our Lord. Your legacy lives on in all that you have touched. Sam Perry

- CPT Samuel Perry and the Perry family , Fairburn , GA

Ruck was a wonderful gentleman, very thoughtful and considerate, and we will really miss him.

- Bill and Helen Murdock, Savannah, GA

Ruck was a special man and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We are lucky to have known him - there are few as caring and out-going as that wonderful Ruck Tipton and the world is a better place because of him.

- Russell and Ann Fries, Savannah, ga

losing mr. t. has made me cry we all at the dutch island guard gate will miss him a lot. im sorry for such a loss of a great man. betty and all officers ,dutch island gate

- betty arnett, savannah, ga

Sgt. Major Tipton was a great man. He will be missed deeply. If it wasn't for him after I dropped out, I don't know where I would be at now. He pushed me to join the military and get away from the crowd of friends I was hanging out with at the time. Now I have my degree and teach middle school students. I even catch my self acting like him at times when it comes to teaching. My deepest condolences to his family and my prayers are with you during this time.

- Priscilla Kraut, Jacksonville, FL

Ruck was a very special person, I will always miss seeing & talking with him. Please accept my sincere condolence, MaryEllen Ward.

- MaryEllen Ward, Savannah, Ga

Sgt. Major Tipton was like a father to me in high school. He kept me as well as MANY other students at Beach High School on the right path. He was such a good man with a HUGE heart. He will be deeply missed by any and everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family.

- Becky Teter, Savannah, Ga

SGM Tipton was a wonderful man and father figure to all of his who attend Beach High School. He was there for everyone and will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family and thank you for sharing him with us.

- Kimetra Meachum, Savannah, Ga

We are very sorry to lose Ruck. He was a special friend to us and we will miss him.

- Frances and Robert Outlaw, Savannah, Ga

Sgt. Major Ruck Tipton was a gift to all of us. His kindness and thoughtfulness were, and are, a source of inspiration. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

- Bill Dickinson and Joe Ann Brandt, ,

Brother Ruck was the kindest, thoughtful, humble, knowledgeable, committed and dependable gentleman one could ever have the fortune of meeting. No request, or need was ever ignored. If he could not fix it, rare as that may have been, he would get someone who could. My deepest sympathy is extended to his family and many friends.

- Mary Hill, Savannah, Ga

Sgt Major Ruck Tipton was a great man. I would not have graduated high school if it were not for this guy. He was rough around the edges but that is what made him great, because you could count on him to tell it like it was. He is part of the reason I joined the US Marine Corps. I love you old man. RIP Sgt Maj Tipton.

- Earl Newton, Stafford, TX

I remember Sgt. Tiption in high school he was my JROTC instructor. He will be deeply missed and loved. RIP Tiption.

- Torisha kelly, Savannah, GA

May Jehovah the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this difficult time (2Cor1:3,4)

- Jehovah's Witnesses , Pooler , Ga

I am so sorry for your loss! I found this scripture at revelations 21:3,4 encouraging, I hope it helps you and your family as well. Jehovah's witnesses

- Kelly, savannah, Ga