John E. Sipes

John E. Sipes, 75, of St. Matthews, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 3, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Columbia, SC on October 17, 1944, a son of the late Herman Sipes and Vernetta Sipes Higgins.He was a graduate of Eau Claire High School where he played football and ran track.He was a member of the SC Air National Guard and retired from Delta Airlines in 1995 after 30 years of service.John attended Gethsemane Baptist Church in St. Matthews where he served as deacon.John had a servant’s heart and gave freely of his time and talents to his family, friends, church and anyone in need. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debbie Cupstid Sipes; his children, Kevin Sipes of Lexington, SC, Allison (Jimbo) Durham of Trenton, SC, and Bryan Sipes of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter, Tiffany Sipes; and grandson, Bailey Sipes; his sister, Linda Cornwell of Wagner, SC; brothers, Derrell (Jan) Sipes of Irmo, SC, Dwight (Gayle) Sipes of Gilbert, SC, Ricky (Cheryl) Sipes of Lexington, SC and Jimmy Sipes of Lexington, SC.He is also survived by special aunts, uncles, brother and sister-in-laws, his mother-in-law and many nieces and nephews who he loved very much. Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, a private graveside service will be held at Gethsemane Baptist Church Cemetery.A service to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Gethsemane Baptist Church or the Salvation Army.