Raymond Letcher Stipe

Raymond Letcher Stipe, age 89, widower of Bernice Hickman Stipe, passed away Friday, August 7, 2026. He was born September 23, 1936, in Nicholasville, Kentucky, to the late Raymond and Mary Preston Stipe. Raymond was a Baptist and enjoyed fishing, sitting in the sun, and spending time with his beloved pets. He is survived by three children, Carl Shuler and his wife, Daisy, Tony Stipe and his wife, Goldie, and Jeffrey Stipe Beach; grandchildren, Mark, Tina, Matthew, Mike, Timmy, Jason, Josh, Andy, Christy, Michelle, Jessica, Johnny, and Cody; fifteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Raymond shared a particularly special bond with his grandsons, Mike and Timmy, whom he raised as his own sons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Sherry Tucker and Ellen Rosales; and his siblings, Elsie Cobb, Neil Stipe, Edna Stipe, Ricky Stipe, Margie McCrary, and Jerry Stipe. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Betts & West Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service.