Dr. Joseph Wheeler Flippen III, 88, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 5th at Mitchell Hollingsworth. He was the Son of Marguerite and Joseph Wheeler Flippen, Jr.
Dr. Flippen was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William, Margaret Ann (Wright), Betty Jane (Bryson), Murphree, Sam, and Mary. Survivors include siblings Daisy Kinard, Lou Laster, and sister-in-law Andi Flippen as well as longtime partner Georgia Lambright, children Joey Flippen, Roseanne Flippen, Trevor Lambright (Amy), Tiffany Roberts (Daniel), Tarin Rafferty (Sean) and Grandson Eli Flippen (Tracy), nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Dr. Flippen attended Florence State teachers College, UAB, and completed his residency at Grady Memorial Hospital. He practiced OB/GYN medicine in the Shoals area for 5 decades. He served in the Naval Reserve, National Guard, and the U. S. Army, was an active member of Russellville First United Methodist Church and North Wood United Methodist in Florence. Dr. Flippen’s love for family and friends endeared him to everyone. He spent many years working with the Florence Exchange Club, Master Gardeners, Tennessee Valley Historical Society, S.A.R., Jamestown Society, and others. Among his hobbies were running, genealogy and refinishing antiques. He was active the majority of his life with The Boy Scouts of America, both as a Scout in his Youth and as a volunteer later.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to North Wood Methodist Church Florence, AL. A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date.
