SURF CITY — It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Larry Cecil Tippett, 78, of Holly Ridge, NC, on November 19, 2025, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Larry was born in Raleigh, NC, on October 5, 1947, the son of the late Wallace Cecil Tippett and Janie Inez Cyrus Tippett.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force having served faithfully until his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant. Larry was also a member of the Surf City Moose Lodge.
If you knew Larry, you loved him for exactly who he was – hardworking, genuine, and never afraid to speak his mind. He did not sugarcoat anything and was as straightforward as they come. And just when you least expected it, he would make you laugh with his sharp, unexpected humor. Larry loved his home and simple joys of staying close to it. He grew up vacationing in Surf City and moved to North Topsail in June of 1987 after the family business, an International Harvester Dealership closed. He started working for Surf City Water and Sewer where he stayed until he retired in 2012. In 1992 he met his wife Diana at The Scotch Bonnett Pier and they have been together ever since. After his retirement, you could always find him working alongside Diana at Beach Furniture Outfitters – usually sitting at the computer in the store, always ready to help.
He passed on his love of Surf City to so many others and everyone treasures the times they sat with him, listening to his stories about how the area changed and how he played a behind-the-scenes role in incorporating North Topsail Beach back in 1989.
Remembered in addition to his parents, is a sister, Bonita Hamm who preceded him in death. Surviving is his wife, Diana Joy Tippett; one son, Wayne Brent Tippett; five grandchildren, Hannah, Jackson, Ethen, Ella, and Adeline; one sister, Betty Jo Wall; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Larry’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army or The Ronald McDonald House.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
