Reverend Danny Clay Gipson, 64, of Gurley, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021, at his home. As he passed from this life to his eternal home, he was surrounded by his family as they sang “Jesus Loves Me.”
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 44 years Cathy Helton Gipson; daughter Stacy Gipson Pence and boyfriend Stephen Hagood, son Dusty Gipson and wife Lauren Gipson, and daughter Brittany Gipson; his grandchildren Cash Pence, Presley Pence, Logan Gipson, Dylan Gipson, and Molly Gipson; his mother Mary Nell Gipson; brother Steve Gipson and wife Paula Gipson; a special man who was like a son to him Tony Lawen and his wife and children Roselynne, Clarissa, and Lydia; two nephews Seth and Noah Gipson, several aunts, a host of loving cousins, and a multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Alvin Gipson, his maternal grandparents Reverend Denton and Leola Adams, paternal grandparents Frank and Minnie Gipson, in-laws Reverend James “Bud” and Maggie Helton, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including his special uncle Winfred “Unc” Gipson.
Danny graduated from Madison County High School in 1975 and was a lifelong resident of the Killingsworth Cove community. He and Cathy were married on May 27, 1977. He spent most of his life working in construction. He had a reputation for being a hardworking, honest man. One that would get the job done right. He could do it all, and he did it all well.
Danny was a great husband to Cathy, and a great father to Stacy, Dusty, and Brittany. He coached ball teams, sat through music recitals, hauled band equipment, built school playgrounds, and countless other jobs that needed to be done to support his children and make memories that will last them a lifetime.
His life became even brighter in 2009 with the birth of his first grandchildren, and as each of them entered the world, life became that much brighter for him. He was always so proud of his children – but OH, those grandchildren! There was never a prouder Papaw. He built them tree houses and pink playhouses, taught the boys to shine their shoes, was the best snuggle buddy, and made sure they got pretty much anything they wanted. He had a special bond with each of them and his legacy will be proudly carried by them.
Danny accepted God’s call into ministry in February 1979. He became pastor for the first time at Fellowship Baptist Church in Brownsboro, AL, in 1980. From there, he served as pastor or interim pastor at numerous other churches. He officiated 55 weddings and 109 funerals, the last of which was Unc’s less than four months ago. He lived his life day in and day out as an example to others of what Christ can do for each of us. He carried a burden in his heart for the lost and had a passion for winning souls for the Kingdom. He also had a unique and beautiful singing voice and loved Southern Gospel music more than anything.
Special thanks to Dr. Chris Clayton, the doctors and staff at CCI, and Hospice of North Alabama, especially Nurse Amanda and aid Patsy for the excellent care they provided Danny in his final days.
The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at New Salem Baptist Church, 314 James Rd, Owens Cross Roads, AL, 35763. Funeral service will be held at the church on Monday, May 3, at 11:00am with brother-in-law Danny Rich, Rev. Mike Shaneyfelt, and Rev. Paul Johnson officiating. Pall bearers will include Rusty Gipson, Benny Jenkins, Michael Lamb, Mike Mitchell, Ty Rains, and Mike Sisk. Honorary pall bearers will be his grandsons, Logan Gipson, Dylan Gipson, and Cash Pence. Interment will be at Pleas Mount Cemetery.
