Bruce Gilpin Obituary

On August 18, 2024, Bruce Edward Gilpin confidently accepted God’s call to enter the gates of heaven and begin his eternal life in glory after enduring an extended illness. Born on earth on May 14, 1962, Bruce’s roots were in Newnan, GA, but 25 years ago he moved to Dandridge, TN, to share a God-filled life with his loving wife and best friend, Connie Swann Gilpin. 

Bruce is now enjoying a heavenly reunion with his father and mother, James Eugene Gilpin and Lila Mae McCormick Gilpin; brothers Ricky and Robbie Gilpin; sisters Shirley Anderson, Louise Smith, and Sue Smith.; and brother-in-law Chris Swann

In addition to his wife, Connie, those holding on to their love and precious memories of Bruce are his brother Matt (Tammy) Gilpin; sister Janie (Robert “Chuck”) Walker; children Lisa (Robert) Franklin, Bruce (Ashley) Gilpin, Jr., and Laura (Lamar) Kidd; and stepson Heath (Angie) Alvey; grandchildren Rose Franklin, Josh Franklin, Aidan Gilpin, Michael Gilpin, and Adam Gilpin; brothers-in-law Ronnie (Ila) Swann, Bill (Donna) Swann, and Tim Swann; sister-in-law Kathy Swann; grandniece and grandnephew Mavryck and Everhett Brewer who held a special place in his heart; a host of nieces and nephews in both Georgia and Tennessee; devoted friend and brother-in-Christ Jerry Loveday; and his furry best friend, TJ, with which he shared a unique bond.

Bruce attended Tabernacle of Hope in White Pine, TN, where his time and heart were devoted to leading people to Christ. A talented and multi-faceted man, Bruce was many things to many people, all of whom knew he was a devoted child of God. His greatest interest was reading and studying God’s Word and sharing the Word with anyone, anytime. He was a dynamic worshipper. His goodness was easy to see as he was always willing to help anyone, was slow to anger and fast to forgive, and his words were sincere.

Immense joy came to Bruce from being “Daddy” and “PopPaw.” The mention of one of his children or grandchildren’s names would bring an instant wide smile to his face. When returning to his hometown to visit family, he delighted in staying up all night wrestling and playing video games with Aidan. He enjoyed trout and fly fishing, camping, being in nature, and UT Vols sports except when their opponents were the Georgia Bulldogs.

During his illness, Bruce was cared for by an amazing and dedicated support team including Connie, who never left his side, and many other family members, friends, healthcare workers of Tennova North, and Pastors Bobby Phillips and John Ramey.

The family extends a special thank you to Tennova North ICU nurse Morgan Hamilton who was Bruce’s “hero,” and to his Tabernacle of Hope church family who was his backbone.

While in his final struggle, Bruce experienced the greatest spiritual high of his life and his last words were “If you ain’t got God, you ain’t got nothing.” Rest in the joys of your Lord!

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Hills Union Cemetery, Dandridge, TN. Pastors Kermit McPeek, John Ramey, and Bobby Phillips will officiate.

Farrar Funeral Home of Dandridge is honored to serve the Gilpin family.