Hollis Woodroe Nipper

Mr. Hollis Woodroe Nipper, 83, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023. He was born in Smyrna, Tennessee on Thursday, May 9, 1940. Preceding him in death were his parents, Milbra N. and Lucille L. (Haley) Nipper; brothers, Clay Nipper, Bill Nipper, and Thomas Nipper; and sisters, Carolyn Woodson, Kate Nipper, and Sarah Nipper.

He is survived by his brothers, Paul Nipper of Lebanon, James Nipper of Selma, and Ernest Nipper of Bradyville; sisters, Mary Barrett of Bradyville and Virginia Lorance of Hendersonville; and several nieces and nephews.

Blue may have been Hollis's favorite color, but the only things blue in his life were the skies and the waters. Hollis was a good ole country boy and left school to work on the farm as soon as he was deemed old enough. Cattle farming became his lifelong profession, and he worked for Milton Alexander for many years. His family bets he walked 10 million miles during his lifetime because while he was a cowboy at heart, Hollis trusted his own legs to get him where he needed to go. If he wasn't walking fast enough, he didn't mind picking up to a jog to work his way across the pasture. 

When it was time for him to come home, Hollis couldn't seem to get cattle off the brain. He loved old westerns, especially the ones featuring John Wayne, and if he wasn't watching westerns, he was reading them. Sitting down with a Louis L'Amour western transported him further than his feet could carry him. He was out under the azure blue skies of the wild west living out his cowboy dreams. Now cattle may have taken up most of his mental space, but Hollis was sure to save some for fish.

Casting a line across the water gave him a sense of peace. There was something about taking a fishing pole, casting a line, and sitting and resting his heels for a while that seemed like paradise. Growing up in the aftermath of the Great Depression and the midst of World War II, Hollis learned to cherish the simple things in life. He was a willing worker, a faithful friend, and a beloved brother. While his family lays him to rest in the ground, they know he is enjoying a life beyond the azure blue.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 10 am - 2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Amity Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist the family with expenses.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story