Paul Terrence Lipsey

James Paul Robert Lipsey, 73, gained admission to the ancestral realm on April 10, 2022 in Miami, Florida. With loved ones by his side, he slipped into a peaceful sleep and awoke to meet the author of creation. 

Born in Queens, New York on August 14, 1948 to James and Sylvia Lipsey (LeGrande), he was the oldest of four children. After graduating as the sole Black student from Presque Isle High School, Maine, he served his country honorably in Germany and the Vietnam War. At the rank of SSgt, his service in the Army Special Forces earned him a Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.

After returning home, he worked as a material manager for Midland Ross-Grimes Division, before pivoting into his career in food service as a restaurant manager. Food service suited him perfectly as there was nothing he liked better than a flawlessly prepared rack of ribs, smothered pork chops with rice or seafood from Long John Silvers. 

James, or Bob as everyone called him, was an avid sportsman. A golfer, exceptional baseball player and bowler himself, his favorite sports teams were the Atlanta Braves, The New England Patriots, The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Minnesota Vikings. When it came to golf, as his mother put it, “the way you’re carrying on about Tiger Woods,” he could have been his official paid spokesperson. 

One of his favorite pastimes was watching movies. While his taste in film was eclectic, his favorites were by far the old Westerns. He spent an incalculable amount of hours watching Turner Classic Movies, along with personal favorites Planet of the Apes, Scarface and Selena. 

The happiest times of his life were in the 1980’s living in Minnesota. Partying, hanging out with Prince and the Revolution, and raising his family were the best years of his life. He always dreamed of returning there to live out his days. Although life took him elsewhere, his heart remained forever in Minnesota. 

The day he took his final breath, he was reunited in heaven with his father James, mother Sylvia, daughter Angela, brother Douglas, aunts Earnestine, Jean, Jaquelyn, uncle Spurgeon, grandparents L.S. and Fannie LeGrande, and best friend Deborah Anglin. 

Those who live on to honor and cherish his memory include sons Robert Lipsey (Florida) Jimmy Darling (California) Garrett Lipsey-Clarke (Ohio). Daughters Amber Lipsey (California) Sheila Lipsey (Ohio) Sylvia Lipsey (Georgia). Grandchildren Kayla, Angela, Robert Douglas and Shayla Lipsey, G’Javonne and Garrett Lipsey-Clarke, Bria Koen, Hatari West, Jimmy and Jordy Darling. Great- Grandchildren Chela Koen, Koheir and Kavari West. Brothers Phillip and Christopher Lipsey (Florida) Sister Pamela McGinnis (Ohio). Nephews Cameron McGinnis (Washington) Michael McGinnis (California) numerous extended family, cousins and lifelong friends Mark Grant (Minnesota), Clementine Koen (Georgia) and eternal friend and caretaker Marlene Edwards (Ohio). 

James loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything in the world. He was always willing to put them above himself in any and every situation and was happy to do so. The greatest symbol of his legacy are his descendants, and the lessons he imparted during his time in his earthly form. They are and will forever be representative of an infinitely exceptional man who walked this earth. 

Funeral services have been entrusted to Donald Jordan Funeral Home in Dayton, Ohio. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, where James will rest just feet away from his beloved mother, father and brother, 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Terrence Lipsey, please visit our floral store.