Ernie was born in Memphis on September 13, 1935. He started working with his father as a teenager in the metal business around 1952. He attended Memphis Tech High and after graduation, in 1955 he joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany and served for three years. While enlisted, he met a young redhead, Peggy McDowell and they were happily married in 1955. They later welcomed their son, Tim in 1956. In 1958, he started Lipford Sheet Metal with his brother, Tommy. After receiving a visit to their home, he and Peggy began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were baptized together in Memphis in 1965. He was appointed as an Elder in 1972 and served in the Southeast, Hickory Hill, Oakhaven and Midtown Congregations. Tragically, after 39 years of marriage, Peggy passed away. However, Ernie found love again and married Jan Pulliam in 1995 and they spent 23 happy years together. After retiring in 2002, he and Jan began regular pioneering as a couple and he continued in this full time work up until his final days. He had the privilege of attending several theocratic schools, such as elder school and pioneer school multiple times.
Ernie was a man of few words, but when he spoke he was witty and kind. Even near the end of his life, he still had his sense of humor. One doctor asked him if he had any questions and he said, “Yes, when is Armageddon?” He got to the point but he was always fair and he always put others needs ahead of his own. He enjoyed Chinese food and Westerns and hated mashed potatoes and waiting in line. One of his hobbies was bream and crappie fishing but what he really loved most was being in the ministry, working on kingdom hall projects, and being with his brothers and sisters in the faith.
Ernie is preceded in death by his wife Peggy, parents Allie B. Lipford and Nellie Mae Lipford, brother Tommy Lipford and sister Peggy Fate. He is survived by his wife Jan Lipford, son Tim Lipford (Karen), stepson Toby Pulliam (Michele), stepdaughter Ashley Westmoreland (Jonathan), grandchildren Jeremy Lipford (Jeanelle), Kelly Villarreal (Ben), Raegan Pulliam, Riley Pulliam, Johnson Westmoreland, Nathan Westmoreland, Victor Westmoreland, Ruby Lu Westmoreland, great granddaughter Riley Lipford, extended family and many dear friends who will miss him greatly. Ernie was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone. We can’t wait for the day that we get to see him again soon in Paradise.
The family will receive friends and family on Saturday November 3, 2018 from 1-2 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m.; all in the chapel of Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
