John "Junior" Bardon Tipton

John “Junior” Bardon Tipton, age 86, of Erwin, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 02, 2026, at Erwin Health Care Center. He was a lifelong resident of Erwin and son of the late Luke and Matilda Tilson Tipton.

Junior was a United States Air Force Veteran, having served his country honorably. He retired from the United States Postal Service where he was employed for many years. He began his career in the postal service as a mail carrier then, as a clerk. Junior was a member of Canah Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, and he attended Southside Freewill Baptist Church.

He enjoyed fishing and was known by all his fishing buddies as “The Tennessee Worm Jockey” which was also his CB Radio handle. Junior could fix anything and he could grow anything. He had a great sense of humor, and he was very quick witted.

Junior loved watching Hummingbirds and feeding them. He had the patience of Job. Junior adored his grandchildren and took great pleasure spending time with all of them.

In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by two sisters: Nina Roselee Craven and Ida Mae Soulier.

Junior is survived by his loving and devoted daughters: Kimberly Ferguson (Todd), Angela “Angie” Wilson (Stephen), and Tabitha Allen (Ronnie Williams), all of Erwin; grandchildren: Jacob Allen (Lacey), Casey Allen (Hannah Lopez), Elijah Ferguson (Katie Riddle), and Braeden Ferguson; great grandchildren: Adeline Allen, Arlo Allen, Leon Allen, and baby Allen on the way; several nieces and nephews also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Junior to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Tipton family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Tipton family. (423) 743-1380

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