Loyd "Gene" Knippers

May 2, 1930- June 4, 2023

Loyd "Gene" Knippers, 93, passed away on June 4, 2023 surrounded by his children at his residence in the Progress Community.

He was born May 2, 1930 in Progress, MS to Denman and Eula Bell Kennedy Knippers.

Gene was a graduate of Progress HS and upon graduation entered the National Guard from 1948-1950 when he enlisted into the United States Navy which he retired as Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate with 23 years active service and 8 years reserve for a total of 31 years of service to his country. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean 7 Star Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4), and numerous letters of commendation. While in the Navy he did several tours stationed aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), USS Constellation (CVA-64), USS Princeton (CVA-37), Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), several Naval Air Stations including Guam and Midway Island. After retiring from his active military service, he graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi as a licensed electrician as well as Southwest Mississippi Junior College with a degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. He began teaching AC, Refrigeration, and Electrical at SMCC for many years before he retired in 1988 as head of the maintenance department. He owned Gene's Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service for over 25 years. He served as Senior Vice Commander of the VFW post #7196 Franklinton, LA for many years until 2022 when his health began to fail. He was a faithful member of Progress Baptist Church and a member of the cemetery committee.

He loved to fish and owned a camp at Lake Mary in Springfield where he and his kids spent many hours. He loved classic cars and restoring them. He even restored one for each of his children. He had a passion for collecting coins and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

He married the love of his life Aline Brown on March 14, 1957. Aline passed away February 13, 2023 just days shy of celebrating their 66th anniversary. Theirs was a love story for the books. They lived and traveled all over the world through the military, a love of travel that would continue up to just a couple years ago as their health began to fail. They loved to be together, and you could often find them many miles away from home just to go eat breakfast, grab a milkshake, or find a flea market.

He is preceded in death by his wife and parents; sisters Hazel Barlow and Louise Tiner; daughter-in-law Linda Goza Knippers; sister-in-law Pat Knippers; brothers-in-law Glen Barlow, Lamar Tiner, and Mickey Brown; nephews John Tiner, Vernon Tiner, Jason Knippers, Jimmy Brown, Jimmy Knippers, Allen Knippers, and Stanley Barlow; niece Sheila Barlow.

He is survived by his four children, Beverly Bankston (Steve), Michael Knippers (Sheila), Carl Knippers (Bernice), and Susan Chadwick (Chad); grandchildren Brenda Sprayberry (Brock), Kathy Jo Steele (Stoney), Samantha Weaver (Michael), James Knippers (Anna), Jessica Knippers, Trudy Cefalu (Nathan), Lizzy Kennedy, Darian Beltran (Roberto), Bridgette Breland, Sarah Kennedy (Keagan), and Shane Bankston; great grandchildren Ashlyn Sprayberry, Cayden Sprayberry, Jaxson Steele, Mason Steele, Gabe Weaver, Belle Weaver, Raelyn Knippers, Dylan Knippers, Russ Dillon, Rowan Daigle, Courtney Roques, Haley Cefalu, Trey Brogan, Levi Bankston, and Lincoln Bankston; great great grandchildren Greyson Roques and numerous nieces and nephews; brothers Major Knippers (Shirley) and Joe Knippers; sisters-in-law Kathy Fortenberry (Randy), and Marilyn Brown.

Pallbearers are Kevin Knippers, Kevin Primeaux, Brad Fortenberry, Allen Wheeler, Hugh Brown, Rodney Tiner, and James Knippers. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the VFW post #7196 Franklinton, LA.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Luke Lampton and Compassus Hospice (Candi, Aretha, Theresa, and Shannon) for their exceptional care. Also, to Tammy Wheeler, Allen Wheeler, and Hugh Brown for the many visits and bringing Daddy his favorites (Tammy cake and chocolate).