Surrounded by his devoted family, Van Darrel Hipp, 87 of Walterboro, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 16, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Van's legacy of service – to his community, country, family and faith – remains as a lasting testament to his character. His keen sense of humor and dry wit will surely induce smiles and laughter among those who knew him best for years to come.

Van was a member of First Baptist Church of Walterboro, and more recently worshiped online at the St. George Methodist Church.

A graveside service officiated by Rev. Joey McDonald of St. George Methodist Church will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 21 at Green Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home of Walterboro is managing arrangements.

Van was born on July 20, 1938, in Hogansville, Georgia to the late Vann Ferell and Fay Jackson Hipp. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sandra Combs Hipp of Walterboro; an elder son, Van (Jane) Hipp, Jr. of Alexandria, VA; a daughter, Laynie (Hugh) Chinners of St. George, SC; and a younger son, Duke (Bethany) Hipp of Singapore; nine grandchildren, Trey Hipp, Sarah Camille (Will) Godfrey, Jackson Hipp, Aubrey Chinners, Nicholas (Chelsea) Chinners, William Hipp, George Hipp, Charlotte Hipp, and Amelia Hipp; and four great-grandchildren, Liam Godfrey, Philip Godfrey, James Godfrey, and Maddie Chinners. He is also preceded in death by a 10th grandchild, Hugh Chinners III.

Van grew up in the 'Sunshine State' – graduating from Jacksonville's Andrew Jackson High School in 1956.

Compelled by his love of country and call to serve, he would enlist in the U.S. Army after graduation, receiving his basic training at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, SC and then stationed at Ft. Gordon in Augusta, GA as a member of the Military Police (MP). He would also serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. Later in life, Van would become a member of the American Legion Post 93 of Walterboro.

Van returned to Florida to attend Jacksonville University as well as meet and marry the love of his life, Sandy. Their early life together in Florida would bring developments at home with the arrival of three children; and Van's career would see him in regional sales roles with both the Western Auto Supply and Cooper Tire & Rubber Companies.

In 1973, Van and Sandy would pack up their wagons and move to the "Front porch of the Lowcountry," the bustling metropolis of Walterboro. It was there where Van became Owner-Operator of the local Western Auto Store, and the two would work in tandem to manage it for 29 years.

During these years, operating "the store" developed into much more than a job – it became their second home. It was where their three children would grow up. It was a key contributor to the vitality of Walterboro's downtown and local economy. It was a social hub for activity and gathering place for residents from all corners of Colleton County – especially on Saturdays in the 70s and 80s (including a visit from "Smokin' Joe" Frazier as well as a Bed Rock band late night practice or two). And it was the catalyst for fellowship and friendships that would last a lifetime.

Van also invested greatly in his community through his service during these and later years. He was a proud member of the Walterboro Rotary Club for over two decades, where his service included time as President. Van was also a Paul Harris Fellow and recipient of the Service Above Self award. He served previously on Walterboro's Downtown Development Board, was a past-President of the Walterboro Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Board as well.

He felt compelled as his civic responsibility to contribute to the election and political processes during his time in Walterboro. Van served as a Colleton County Election Commissioner for 13 years and was also former Chairman of the Colleton County Republican Party. His impactful contributions through this work would inspire his children and others in their own individual journeys.

Van instilled and shared an appreciation for good humor to friends and family alike. He was a pioneer in the art of the "Dad joke" before the term existed. His fondness for levity would manifest itself in a variety of ways – including clipping newspaper photos and adding his own editorial commentary to share with his kids and grandkids throughout the years. His wit was also on display on family Zoom calls during the pandemic and afterwards. His comedic influences included Abbott & Costello, Ernie Kovacs, Bob & Ray, and Red Buttons among others.

Known as Pee Paw by his grand and great-grandkids, Van had a well-earned reputation as a master storyteller. The misadventures of Harry & Henry, Bobo & Coco, and a host of characters and locales like the Bismark Hotel from his creativity will live on in the minds and memories of his family's next generation.

He was also a lifelong fan of the cultural influences of his youth – namely events and figures from the western cinema and sports realms. Van would regularly regale his children and grandchildren with tales of Hopalong Cassidy and the Lone Ranger; and was an avid fan of the finer films of yesteryear – particularly anything starring John Wayne. One of his more vivid memories shared over the years was from October 3, 1951, and watching live from a storefront Bobby Thompson's "Shot Heard 'Round the World" to deliver the National League pennant to the New York Giants.

More insightful than our recollections are his own words. Van put pen to paper to share the following:

"He was blessed by being the husband of a loving and devoted wife for over 66 years. She was also his best friend and his rock and refuge.

"He has expressed his thanks and gratitude to a loving and merciful God who has allowed him to have such a long and happy life, a devoted wife, and a loving family.

"His favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 ('For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life").

"He has said that if he was in the business of giving advice to others it would be to always find time for God and family, never take yourself too seriously, and laugh a lot."

A loving husband and father to his wife and kids, a doting Pee Paw to his grand and great-grandchildren, and a loyal friend to many, Van will be missed. However, his legacy of a life well-lived, service and leadership by example, and a good dose of laughter will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

The family is thankful for the many prayers for Van during his short illness and asks that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in memory of Van Hipp to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, samaritanspurse.org