Michael Stewart Tipton entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2026.

Michael was born in Parris Island, South Carolina, to the late Stewart and Ida Smith Tipton. Raised in a military family, he experienced life in many places throughout his childhood, including Texas, California, Maryland, and Japan. He graduated from Yokohama High School in Japan in 1959.

Michael went on to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Naval Science in 1964. He proudly served his country as a Line Officer in the United States Navy from 1960 until 1969, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. During his naval career, he served aboard the USS Chicago, where he worked in electronics, and the USS John W. Weeks, where he served as a helicopter landing officer. Michael was also a proud veteran of the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Michael embarked upon a long and distinguished career in engineering. From 1969 until 1973, he worked for Control Data Corporation in Rockville, Maryland, as Manager of New Product Assurance. He then joined the United States Postal Service Research and Development Laboratories in Rockville, where he served as a Senior Research and Development Engineer from 1973 until 1979. During his time with the Postal Service, Michael was involved in the engineering and design of stamp machines.

In 1979, Michael and his family made Warner Robins, Georgia, their home, and he began what would become a 25-year career at Robins Air Force Base. Working within Electronic Warfare Management, he served in a number of leadership positions throughout the years. From 1979 until 1990, he served as a lead, supervisor, and Engineering Branch Chief. In 1990, he became Logistics Division Chief, a position he held until 2000. He then returned to the role of Engineering Branch Chief, where he remained until his retirement on April 7, 2004. Throughout his years at Robins Air Force Base, Michael’s knowledge, leadership, and engineering expertise contributed greatly to the important work of the Electronic Warfare Division.

Retirement did little to slow Michael down. He shared his years of knowledge and experience with the next generation of engineers as an adjunct faculty member in engineering at Mercer University for several years. Later, he became a member of the restoration crew at the Museum of Aviation, a role he truly loved. The opportunity to work with his hands, use his technical abilities, and contribute to the preservation of aviation history made his time at the museum especially meaningful to him.

Outside of his professional life, Michael enjoyed traveling, reading, woodworking, and photography. His curiosity and appreciation for learning remained with him throughout his life. He was also a member of the Association of Old Crows, an organization closely connected to the electronic warfare field to which he devoted so much of his career.

For all that Michael accomplished professionally, those who knew him best will remember the man behind the impressive résumé. He was a true gentleman—kind, courteous, and deeply devoted to his wife of 65 years and family. He also had a wonderfully funny side and a great sense of humor, often bringing laughter to those around him. His intelligence and accomplishments were matched by his warmth, wit, and genuine care for the people he loved.

Michael lived a life defined by service, dedication, and an enduring desire to learn and contribute. From growing up around the world in a military family, to serving his country in the United States Navy, to a remarkable engineering career and his beloved work at the Museum of Aviation, he gave his talents generously throughout his life. Above all, however, Michael's greatest devotion was to his wife and family. It is the love, laughter, and memories he shared with them that will remain his most treasured legacy.

His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife, Barbara Gales Tipton; daughters, Lisa Klug (Michael) and Christina Sikes (Joseph); grandchildren, Andrew Michael Klug (Katlyn), Megan Christina Benson (Matthew), Adam Michael Sikes (Daniel Kelley), and Brian Michael Sikes; great-grandson, Mason Michael Klug.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Perry Methodist Church. Afterward, Michael will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Michael to the CURE Childhood Cancer by visiting https://curechildhoodcancer.org/donate-to-cure or Perry Methodist Church Building Fund at 1002 Carroll Street, Perry, GA 31069.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.