Obituary
WILLIAM BASIL SIPES
February 5, 1940 – November 6, 2019
ORMOND BEACH, FL – WILLIAM BASIL SIPES affectionately known as “Bill on the hill” departed on his one way flight to Gloryland, November 6, 2019, after traveling a long and rocky road of illness. He was born February 5, 1940, to Howard James Sipes and Theresa (Ritchie) Sipes in Meade County Kentucky. He served in the Kentucky Air National Guard, held an associate degree in electrical and industrial plant operations. He retired from HAYWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER in Clyde, NC, where he resided in Lake Junaluska, NC for twenty-eight years. He was a natural and gifted dancer, storyteller and entertainer. He and his wife, Judy D. (Austrew) Sipes, of fifty-seven years, founded and served as leaders of the Oconaluftee Old Time Music Jam program, in the Great Smoky Mountains Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Visitors Center. He also volunteered with farm life demonstrations at various mountain festivals and events. His most treasured memory was visiting with Grandpa Jones of the HEE HAW television program and John Rice Irwin founder of Museum of Appalachia at Tennessee Homecoming. His greatest joy was traveling the southern Appalachian region and performing and attending the numerous music festivals and events. He once said he would not ask the Lord for anything more if he could but have one small section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County and Oconaluftee Mountain Farm. His last two years were spent in Volusia County, Florida, where he attended and found great joy in the music program at BARBERVILLE PIONEER SETTLEMENT. He loved people and made no distinction between status or social standing. He loved people and they loved him in return. Most of all, he loved the Lord and was secure and certain of his destination and heavenly home. He fought a good fight, he run the race, he kept the faith and has now put on his robe, crown and dancing shoes. He is survived by his wife, Judy D. Sipes of Ormond Beach, FL, Sisters, Angela Pike and Charlotte (Jack) Garner of Louisville, Ky; Sister, Bonnie Mae (David) Mueller of Hochston, GA, numerous family members and friends. A memorial service will be held November 18, 2019 – 11:00 A M – HALIFAX HEALTH HOSPICE CARE CENTER CHAPEL – 235 Booth Rd – Ormond Beach, FL – The family is in the care of Baldwin Brothers – New Smyrna Beach, FL – A memorial Old Time jam at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, NC, will be announced at a later date.
Mary Border
Bess Crider, the hammered dulcimer player
We have missed the two of you here in WNC and we are certainly sad that we will not see Bill again. I personally always looked forward to joking with him. He was a great guy. I wish you comfort in this sad time.
Bill always had a hug and a smile! He will be greatly missed by the Barberville Pioneer Settlement's First Saturday Music folks!
We know he is dancing in heaven!
My heart breaks for you. Bill was an amazing man and I'm so grateful for the gift of his and your friendship. My life would not have been as full if I'd not had the privilege of knowing both of you. Thank you for sharing him with the world! Sending lots of love and hugs!