James Guyton Tippins, III

October 14, 1962 ~ September 2, 2022 

Obituary

Dr. James “Jim” Guyton Tippins, III, 59 was called home to be with our Lord on Friday, September 2, 2022.  He was born October 14, 1962, in Charleston, SC but moved to Myrtle Beach at just 2 months old. He was the son of Dr. James “Jimmy” Guyton Tippins, Jr. and Mary Ann Cook Tippins, who predeceased him. He attended Myrtle Beach High School, then Graduated from Furman University with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy. Following God’s call on his life into Ministry, he then graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky with a Master’s in Church Music. Jim was ordained into the Ministry in 1990.  Jim furthered his education with a Doctor of Ministry from Northwestern Theological Seminary.

God was the most important thing in Jim’s life and was in church from the day he was born. He was on the cradle roll at First Baptist Myrtle Beach and was then a charter member and longtime member of Ocean View Baptist Church. Jim used his love of the Lord and of music to sing and serve in many capacities throughout his life including as Chaplain at Greenville Hospital and Interim Music Minister at First Baptist Church North Myrtle Beach. He went into full time ministry as the Minister of Music and Drama for over 15 years at First Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach where he was known for creating, writing, and directing of The Grand Strand Passion Play for 10 years which was an outreach and evangelism gift to thousands in the community and beyond. For 6 years, he served as Interim Chaplain and Associate Chaplain for Lakewood Campground Ministry at Lakewood Camping Resort in Surfside where his call to witness and evangelize was shared with visitors and residents alike. Jim was the Minister of Music and Evangelism at First Baptist Church in Surfside Beach directing dramas and The Singing Christmas Tree before retiring in 2016.  Jim was active along the Grand Strand singing with various groups at different events, acting in numerous productions over the years with the Theater of the Republic, and serving on the board of the Long Bay Symphony and search committee. In addition to his Love of God, Music, and Theater, Jim loved traveling around the world, playing golf, telling “Dad” jokes, escape rooms, playing games with his family around the table, and making memories with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of over 32 years; Louanne Moore Tippins of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and son James “Jamie” Moore Tippins, also of the home in Murrells Inlet, 2 nephews Alex Ray (Mikki) of Greenville, SC and Alston Ray of Portland Oregon and brother-in-law Joseph Ray of North Myrtle Beach.  

He was predeceased by his sister Victoria “Vicki” Tippins Ray and several cousins.

He was a devoted servant of his God, and his Family. A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church, Georgetown, South Carolina, Monday, September 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm with graveside services to follow at Southern Palms Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be held Sunday, September 4, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McMillen Small Funeral Home 910 67th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. Dr. M. Wayne Brown, Dr. Ted Sherril and Mr. Jamie Tippins will be officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to On The Edge Productions, to further the ministry to College and Teen Students.