Sanford Edward Pippin

Sanford Edward Pippin, 85, of Abingdon, Virginia entered the Lord's Kingdom on March 25, 2025 at the Bristol Hospice House. Sanford was born on June 15, 1939 in Benhams, Washington County, Virginia. Sanford was the son of late Addie ("Pearl") and Oscar Pippin. He graduated from Hamilton High School and Washington County Trade School. For 30 years, Sanford owned Pippin Sheet Metal Heating and Air where he was continuously the top sales person and earned many awards. Sanford went on to be the proud founder of Pippin Construction for over 30 years where he has built and developed over 200 houses, subdivisions, and apartment complexes and townhouses in the surrounding area. Sanford's hard work and dedication significantly contributed to the local community. In his younger days, Sanford's interests included bowling and participating in tournaments with his team and the two race cars he built and raced on weekends.

Sanford married the love of his life, Frances Morrell, on December 4, 1961. Together, they shared their passion for playing golf. In addition to his parents, Sanford was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years; son-in-law, Timothy Plogger; brothers, Kenneth Pippin and Glen Pippin (Rhoda); sisters, Audie Hensley (Landon) and Helen Denton (Hearse); brothers-in-law, Glen Morrell (Thelma), Bobby Morrell, Howard Morrell (Carita), Hascal Morrell (Ann), Henry Harper, and Earl Doyle; and sisters-in-law, Edna Cox (Carl), Leola Howley (Tom), Reva Shaver, Naomi Hartley, and June Hartley (Dalton).

Sanford is survived by his daughter, Donna Pippin Plogger, of Forest, Virginia; his granddaughters, Lexi Plogger of Lynchburg, Virginia and Lindsey Merryman (Jonathan) of Davidson, North Carolina; great grandchildren, Presley, Charlee, and Lily Frances Merryman, also of Davidson, North Carolina;  sisters-in-law Virginia Pippin, Yalile Morrell, Iva Dean Harper, Wilma Morrell, Anna Mae Doyle; brothers-in-laws Duane Hartley, Tony Morrell; and several nieces and nephews.

After selflessly taking care of his wife before she passed, Sanford found his love for a local church. He looked forward to Sunday service and greeting his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with a handshake and an infectious smile. Sanford's church family quickly became like a second family to him and helped him to continue growing his already strong faith.

Sandford's legacy of hard work, humor, faith, and love he outpoured to his family will continue to resonate in the hearts of all whom he touched. His presence will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to specifically mention their thanks to Tom Clay (PT Ballad), NHC Nurse Sarah, CNAs Kaylee, Kierra, Tabatha, and Rachel, and PTs and OTs for their caring support while Sanford was there. The family also wishes to mention Dr. David Thompson for years of exceptional care, and Dr. Thompson's case manager, Heather Kiser, Dr. Fish and staff for always being available and caring, and the Bristol Hospice House staff for their hospitality and providing comfort for his final days.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 with Pastor Jason Dunn and Pastor Paul Ketron officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Holston Valley Baptist Church, 18396 Cleveland Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24211-5662.

The family of Sanford Edward Pippin is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.