O. Kelly Vipperman

Mr. O. Kelly Vipperman, 71, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Mr. Vipperman was born on January 7, 1955, in Forsyth County, the son of the late Arlis Wendell and Pauline Minnie Cook Vipperman. A dedicated truck driver for many years, he valued hard work and took pride in providing for his family. Away from work, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time fishing, finding peace and contentment along the water with a rod and reel in hand. He was also a devoted cat lover and treasured the companionship of his feline friends, Stink Pot, Snickerdoodle, and Gray Baby. Music was a constant source of enjoyment throughout his life. He especially loved listening to Elvis Presley, Al Green, and the timeless sounds of Motown. In his younger years, he played the saxophone with the local band Craig Southern and Phoenixx. He also had a deep interest in genealogy and spent countless hours researching family history, preserving stories and connections for future generations. Whether on the road, by the water, tracing his family’s roots, at home with his cats, or enjoying his favorite songs, he embraced the things that brought him happiness and made lasting memories with those he loved. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Rebecca “Becky” Sumner Vipperman; a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Rayford Gammons; a brother, Teddy Vipperman; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Vipperman was preceded in death by four sisters, Tillis Jean Vipperman (infant), Ruth Vipperman, Phyllis Clement, and Faye Holyfield; and a brother, Oza Vipperman. The funeral service will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Tommy Vass officiating. Burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home.