Kenneth Bruce Gipson

Earth’s Gift: November 3, 1952
Heaven’s Reward: March 6, 2023

Kenneth’s Life Story

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be
troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27

Kenneth Bruce Gipson went to another home not made by man-a place called Heaven, where he will never grow old.
Mr. Kenneth Bruce Gipson was born November 3, 1952, in Taylor, TX to the late John Willie Gipson, Jr. and Dorothy
Sue Mitchell-Gipson. He was the third child of 15. He departed this life on March 6, 2023.
Kenneth was converted and accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He attended the COGIC #1 in Taylor, TX
until his health began to fail.
He attended O.L. Price School in Taylor. In 1973, he was employed at Hotel Blazimar as an elevator operator and
custodian. In 1975, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA
and later moved to Oakland, CA where he lived for 20 years before returning to Taylor, TX in 1997.
Kenneth was undeniably a very good person. He coupled his wit and wisdom with a warm and compassionate heart.
He spread so much joy, laughter and happiness wherever he went. He never met a stranger, only a friend he hadn’t met
before. Also, Kenneth was a train enthusiast. He had a strong affinity for anything related to trains and travel.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, John Willie Gipson, Jr.; mother, Dorothy Sue Mitchell- Gipson-Simms;
stepfather, Sterling Simms, Jr.; maternal grandfather, Bennie Michell; maternal grandmother; Lula Mae Franklin-
Mitchell; paternal grandfather, John Willie Gipson, Sr.; paternal grandmother, Ceawillow Harris-Gipson-Thomas;
paternal aunt, Gloria L. Gipson-Garret-James; maternal uncle, Ray Benson; sister, Janice E. Gipson; brothers, Ronald
W. Gipson and Mitchell L. Gipson.
God knows that Kenneth was a man truly loved by his family.
He leaves to celebrate and cherish his precious memory seven sisters, Cynethia Gail Bell of San Francisco, CA; June
Dean Greene (Rev. Willie Greene), Temple, TX; Rhonda J. Conner, Starkville, MS; Rubye Darlene Floyd; Deanna
Denise Gipson, Taylor, TX; Andrea Sue Harper, Atlanta, GA and Regina Gwen Lishey (Royce) of Taylor, TX and four
brothers, Reginald Karl Gipson of Austin TX; Rev. Derwin Dale Gipson (Deborah), Cedar Creek, TX; John Willie
Gipson, III, Taylor, TX and Sterling Simms, III of Austin, TX and a loving sister-in-law, Loria Ann “Susie” Gipson of
Georgetown, TX and a host of very loving and caring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of
God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

I Thessalonians 4:16

The Last Train Ride… All Aboard!

On March 6, 2023, I heard a long nostalgic train whistle sound.
It was so loud; it vibrated the ground.
During this long whistle blast,
I saw an 1868 black steam locomotive approaching quite fast.
As I watched, I saw my brother, Kenneth, walking with excitement and with joy,

Proudly saying, “I got my orders from God. I’ve been deployed!”
He then began to board the locomotive with a huge smile,
Saying, “Sis, I’m going in style.”
Further saying, “I was scheduled to leave at seven,
My destination, you might ask, is heaven.”
Kenneth then took the driver’s seat with the dashboard having so many gears,
He looked at me and said, “It’s an honor for me to do this. I’ve waited for this moment for many years.”
Then, my eyes began to fill with tears.
As Kenneth sat fully in control-
I said to him, “Kenny G, I’m so glad you’ve met your goal.”
He then began to blow the whistle with two long blasts,
Looking at me with a big grin, saying, “I can use my engineer’s skills now at last.”
As he moved the train forward,
He yelled out, “All Aboard!”
With those two long whistle sounds,
The locomotive was now Heaven bound!
As he waved his last goodbye,
He shouted, “Remember I love you all. Remember, I care.
Please always remember, I’m always with you though you don’t see me there.
Also, tell everyone to be happy for me-
For I’m with God and pain free.”
With the clicking sound of the rails and the ringing of the bell,
All that was left of the locomotive ever being there was its smoke and the smell.
Kenneth Bruce Gipson took his final train ride-
With God at his side.
P.S. My brother, Kenneth was a train enthusiast and didn’t mind it being broadcast.
WHOOO-WHOOOOOOO, I love you.
In loving memory of
Kenneth Bruce Gipson
(AKA) Kenny G

Written by:
Rhonda J. Gipson-Conner
With Love & Affection

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