Joseph Lawrence "Tip" or "Larry" Tippett, 55, of Sandgates, MD, died March 27, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital. Born November 25, 1953 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Lewis Edward and Mary Antoinette Tippett.

He was the loving husband of Patricia Eleanor Tippett whom he married on June 17, 1989 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, MD.

He is also survived by his sons Jeremy L. Tippett, Gregory G. Steventon and Gary R. Steventon, Jr., all of Sandgates, MD and his siblings Lewis E. Tippett, Jr. "Smokey" of Homosassa, FL and Ellen Tippett of Fredericksburg, VA.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, Larry graduated from Thomas Stone High School "Class of 1972". He was a house painter and served in the U.S. Army. The most important part of Larry's life was his family. He worshipped his wife and loved his children dearly. Patty was the love of his life and will always be in his heart. He was especially proud of his son Jeremy who will graduate from the College of Southern Maryland on May 14, 2009. He was also fond of his brother and his sister who have helped him over the years.

Larry was an excellent painter for many years. Larry was a tall man with a large appetite for life and food. He enjoyed many celebrations with his family and friends, especially July 4th. He will always be remembered for cruising the county roads in his 94 Red Cadillac with Goozer Tippett (his dog) sitting by him listening to Elvis music. With that thought in mind, we plan to give Larry one more ride in that Red Cadillac in a little red box. Larry was a free spirit who lived life to the fullest. We will all miss you Larry. God Bless You Larry, the flag, and our country.

Contributions may be made to the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636. A funeral service will be held on April 6th at 11:00 am on the grounds of Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery. Interment will follow after funeral service.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.