Celebrating the life of
John B. Zipperer
October 25, 1935 - June 07, 2013
John Benjamin Zipperer
John Benjamin Zipperer, 77, passed away Friday, June 7, 2013. He was born in Effingham County on October 25, 1935 to Israel and Agnes Coe Johnson Zipperer.
Chief Master Sergeant Zipperer was a member of Savannah's 117th Air Control Squadron, providing sophisticated technical surveillance and detection equipment and logistical support worldwide. He retired after 42 years of service with the Air National Guard, receiving numerous awards and medals from the United States Air Force, National Guard, NATO, the states of Georgia, Rhode Island, Utah, Missouri, Iowa, and the Cherokee Nation.
He was a Little League Baseball coach and an avid golfer. In retirement he enjoyed his time working at Henderson Golf Club and the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. He was a member of White Bluff United Methodist Church.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Marion McDonald Zipperer, and Robert Israel Zipperer, sister-in-law, JoAnn Godbee Zipperer, and brother-in-law, Wade P. Cole.
He is survived by his wife, Fay L. Hall Zipperer, his sons Ben Kathy Zipperer, Dana Zipperer, and Bart Cindy Zipperer; grandchildren, Ben Zipperer III, Sarah Ben Gaskins, Adam Erica Zipperer, Evan Zipperer, Chelsea Zipperer, and Claire Zipperer. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Z. Cole, and his twin sister, Joan Z. Don Shealey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with The Reverend Dr. James Staubes officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. preceding the service.
Burial will be in Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park with full military honors.
Remembrances may be made to the First Tee of Savannah or Hospice Savannah.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
My deepest sympathies go to the Zipperer family. I worked with Chief Zipperer for many years at the 117 ACS. He was truly a great guy. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Danny Peigh
- Danny Peigh, Guyton, GA
To me, 'Zipp was the Chief at the 117'. He expected a lot and he gave a lot. Valerie remembers his contagious smile and booming laughter. The kindness he extended as he welcomed us into the 117th family made us feel we were a part of something special. He will be missed.
- Wesley and Valerie Brown, Richmond Hill, GA
Zip's leadership and friendship stood as a great example to me of what a Chief Master Sergeant could and should be. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Rich Rife, Sumter, SC
CMSgt Zipperer was a real chief. A great person to work for.
- Ron Kolbe, Statesboro, GA
Angela and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to John’s family. I was proud to have served with “Zip” in the 117th. He was a true Patriot, Dedicated to his Nation, State, and local community. When I began my career with the 117th back in 1984 Zip was the man in charge, and for good reason. He would stand up for what was right, took care of personnel under his supervision, and would not hesitate to set you straight if you got out of line. Those enduring qualities helped to shape my future and many other individuals who had the privilege of serving with him for many years. For that I am very grateful.
- Bruce W. Parker, SMS USAF Retired, Faulkville, GA
“Zipp” was a driving force in the 1980’s transition of the 117th from a laid-back local Air Guard unit to one heavily depended upon by the active Air Force. Always calm, determined, organized, and upbeat, he was a superb professional with a delightful personality and genuinely cared about others. It was a great pleasure and privilege to have known and served with Chief MSG John B. Zipperer. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathies for his family and those closest to him.
- MAJ ret Thomas M. Daniels III, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of knowing and working for and with Chief Zipperer for many years. He will be missed, my condolences to the family. God bless. Eddie Brantley
- Eddie Brantley, Wichita Falls, TX
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the entire Zipperer family. In 1992, Chief Zip welcomed me into the 117th ACS as if we had known each other for a long time. I admired his professionalism and leadership style. Chief Zip was truly a 'Chief's Chief and set the example for others to follow. He will always remain in my thoughts.
- BG Wayne A. Wright, Richmond, VA
I have nothing but fond memories going back some 45 years to the days when I played little league baseball under Coach Zipperer. He was a genuine, kind man who influenced me more than he would ever know. I'm sure he touched many others in a similar way. Julie and I extend our deep sympathy to the entire family.
- Roy Griffin, Snellville, GA
I was greeted at the 117th TCS back then in those days by Chief Zipperer & Chief Lash. Both of them gave me a tour of the unit & provided me a welcome to a military unit that was to say the least 'special'. With his welcome smile & hearty laugh Chief Zipperer provided guidance to many a young man & woman entering in to the unit. I truly believe that his guidance in many ways has contributed to the success that I & others enjoy today. Chief Zipperer was a good guy in heart & spirit. For all of his positive work done for us on the face of this earth I am sure God has truly a place for him in his home. He will be missed by all of us.
- Mark Lauber, Savannah, GA
Family, I knew Chief Zipperer from my time in the 117th. I am very sorry for your loss. May Chief Zipperer rest in Eternal Peace. God Bless.
- Roy S. Banks, Jr., Flowery Branch, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with John's family. I was in the Air National Guard with him for a long time. John was always a true friend to me. He touched many lives in a positive way, including mine. He will be missed by many.
- Wally Moody, Jesup, GA
We have lost a great 'Man'. My heart is broken yet glad I had the chance to know him for a little while. My prayers are with you the family.
- Duane K Medford, Blue Ridge, GA
Sorry for your loss. Zip was a good friend and mentor to me.
- Gary K Sims. SMSGT USAF, Cummimg, GA
The Chief touched so many lives in such an enduring and positive way. He was a great friend to all who knew him. The world will miss him walking among us. I am so thankful to have known him and know he has a new home in Heaven. Our prayers are with you. Billy and Robin Asbell
- Billy Asbell, Stafford, VA
I am grateful to Zip for his camaraderie in the Guard. I found Zip to be a man of honor, dedicated to his family and whatever objective he set his mind to. ..a good man, a pillar of fortitude and a leader to emulate. I feel a sadness and a loss in his passing.
- Carl Canicatti, Savannah, GA
A good man with a big heart. John was a big part of a close team that opened Henderson Golf Club. I thank him for his contributions and service to our country prior. Best wishes to the family. Rest in peace my friend! You will be missed ...
- Peter Rouillard, Auburn, AL
My deepest sympathies go to the Zipperer family. I worked with Chief Zipperer for many years at the 117 ACS. He was truly a great guy. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Danny Peigh
- Danny Peigh, Guyton, GA
To me, 'Zipp was the Chief at the 117'. He expected a lot and he gave a lot. Valerie remembers his contagious smile and booming laughter. The kindness he extended as he welcomed us into the 117th family made us feel we were a part of something special. He will be missed.
- Wesley and Valerie Brown, Richmond Hill, GA
Zip's leadership and friendship stood as a great example to me of what a Chief Master Sergeant could and should be. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
- Rich Rife, Sumter, SC
CMSgt Zipperer was a real chief. A great person to work for.
- Ron Kolbe, Statesboro, GA
Angela and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to John’s family. I was proud to have served with “Zip” in the 117th. He was a true Patriot, Dedicated to his Nation, State, and local community. When I began my career with the 117th back in 1984 Zip was the man in charge, and for good reason. He would stand up for what was right, took care of personnel under his supervision, and would not hesitate to set you straight if you got out of line. Those enduring qualities helped to shape my future and many other individuals who had the privilege of serving with him for many years. For that I am very grateful.
- Bruce W. Parker, SMS USAF Retired, Faulkville, GA
“Zipp” was a driving force in the 1980’s transition of the 117th from a laid-back local Air Guard unit to one heavily depended upon by the active Air Force. Always calm, determined, organized, and upbeat, he was a superb professional with a delightful personality and genuinely cared about others. It was a great pleasure and privilege to have known and served with Chief MSG John B. Zipperer. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathies for his family and those closest to him.
- MAJ ret Thomas M. Daniels III, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of knowing and working for and with Chief Zipperer for many years. He will be missed, my condolences to the family. God bless. Eddie Brantley
- Eddie Brantley, Wichita Falls, TX
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the entire Zipperer family. In 1992, Chief Zip welcomed me into the 117th ACS as if we had known each other for a long time. I admired his professionalism and leadership style. Chief Zip was truly a 'Chief's Chief and set the example for others to follow. He will always remain in my thoughts.
- BG Wayne A. Wright, Richmond, VA
I have nothing but fond memories going back some 45 years to the days when I played little league baseball under Coach Zipperer. He was a genuine, kind man who influenced me more than he would ever know. I'm sure he touched many others in a similar way. Julie and I extend our deep sympathy to the entire family.
- Roy Griffin, Snellville, GA
I was greeted at the 117th TCS back then in those days by Chief Zipperer & Chief Lash. Both of them gave me a tour of the unit & provided me a welcome to a military unit that was to say the least 'special'. With his welcome smile & hearty laugh Chief Zipperer provided guidance to many a young man & woman entering in to the unit. I truly believe that his guidance in many ways has contributed to the success that I & others enjoy today. Chief Zipperer was a good guy in heart & spirit. For all of his positive work done for us on the face of this earth I am sure God has truly a place for him in his home. He will be missed by all of us.
- Mark Lauber, Savannah, GA
Family, I knew Chief Zipperer from my time in the 117th. I am very sorry for your loss. May Chief Zipperer rest in Eternal Peace. God Bless.
- Roy S. Banks, Jr., Flowery Branch, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with John's family. I was in the Air National Guard with him for a long time. John was always a true friend to me. He touched many lives in a positive way, including mine. He will be missed by many.
- Wally Moody, Jesup, GA
We have lost a great 'Man'. My heart is broken yet glad I had the chance to know him for a little while. My prayers are with you the family.
- Duane K Medford, Blue Ridge, GA
Sorry for your loss. Zip was a good friend and mentor to me.
- Gary K Sims. SMSGT USAF, Cummimg, GA
The Chief touched so many lives in such an enduring and positive way. He was a great friend to all who knew him. The world will miss him walking among us. I am so thankful to have known him and know he has a new home in Heaven. Our prayers are with you. Billy and Robin Asbell
- Billy Asbell, Stafford, VA
I am grateful to Zip for his camaraderie in the Guard. I found Zip to be a man of honor, dedicated to his family and whatever objective he set his mind to. ..a good man, a pillar of fortitude and a leader to emulate. I feel a sadness and a loss in his passing.
- Carl Canicatti, Savannah, GA
A good man with a big heart. John was a big part of a close team that opened Henderson Golf Club. I thank him for his contributions and service to our country prior. Best wishes to the family. Rest in peace my friend! You will be missed ...
- Peter Rouillard, Auburn, AL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
