Ronnie Freels Nipper, age 80 of Knoxville, passed away July 13, 2021. Ronnie was married to his late wife Mary Ruth Nipper for 45 years. He was a wonderful husband, daddy, papaw, neighbor, and friend. In his early years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, coaching ball, and spending time with his family. As he grew older, he continued to coach ball and was known to many as “Papaw”. Dad was kind hearted, loved to joke around and was always full of life. He loved to sit on his front porch and watch his grandbabies play. He loved to mow and piddle around in his yard. Dad had a love for animals, people and life. He met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in his living room floor. Dad leaves behind a legacy too great to write about. He was strong willed until the end. Preceded in death by wife, Mary Ruth Nipper; son-in-law, Riley Collins. He leaves behind six children, fourteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends. Sons, Mike (Donna) Nipper, Michael Nipper and Joey Nipper; daughters, Kristie (Jason) DeRosa, Debbie Deskin, Nelda ( Susie) Collins; grandchildren, Ronnie Collins, Brandy Nipper, Dean Zachary, Elisha Fortner, Jacob Nipper, Mary Croxdale, Logan, Lexie, Lanie, Lakyn, Londyn, Lucianne DeRosa, and Jocelyn Nipper; great-grandchildren, Bryson Nipper Shown, Kamen Shown, Kloey Nipper, Corbin Nipper, Skyelar, Savannah, Silas Zachary, Dylan Banks, Tanner and Griffin Collins and Madison Croxdale. Family will receive friends Thursday at West Haven Baptist Church from 5:00-7:00pm with service to follow. Family and friends will meet Friday at Chilhowee Cemetery at 11:45 am for a 12:00 pm interment. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.
