Billy Wayne Flippin

He was born November 28, 1951 in Pleasanton, Texas to Erla Mae and Jesse James Flippin. His family moved throughout the south/southwest until the age of 6 when they moved to Canada where his sisters, Sue (Tom) Strahan and Diane (Bruce) Holm, were born and they lived until he was 16.

In 1967, Bill moved with his family to Escanaba. Two years later, he met Sally Beauchamp, who became his best friend and love of his life. If you knew Bill, you would also know that they met in 1969 at the U.P. State Fair, and there was a bag of popcorn involved. They both graduated from high school in 1970.

Bill earned a degree in wastewater management, and he and Sally were married in 1972. They lived in Fond du Lac until 1974, when they moved back to Escanaba. He worked for Nabisco for many years and was known as “The Cookie Guy” to both the U.P. grocery industry as well as his kids’ friends.

Bill and Sally were the proud parents of two children, Kerri (Peter) Ammel and Todd (Diana) Flippin, as well as grandchildren Grace, Bella (BF #2), Oliver, Daisy, and Lydia. Bill beamed when he had the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and watch them grow and flourish.

Bill played hockey when he was younger, and coached with the EAJHA for 25 years, leading many teams, from mini-mites through men’s leagues. He especially enjoyed coaching his son Todd for many years. Many lifelong relationships were fostered on and around the rink.

One of Bill’s joys was to spend time in nature. For many years, he traveled to Wawa, Canada to spend time fishing with many friends and family members. He especially enjoyed shore lunch and fishing at Flippin’s Point and walks in the woods in the fall. He, along with members of his family built a log cabin hunting camp by hand in Rock, complete with a two-seater outhouse, upper hunting balcony and gourmet kitchen. Many hunting seasons were spent there with friends and family. While he wasn’t born here, Bill was proud to be an honorary Yooper.

He and Sally loved having adventures together – they enjoyed many road trips throughout the country, listening to George Strait and Willie Nelson, visiting the very best places, and stopping to visit friends and family along the way. Bill knew how to have a good time, and especially enjoyed cocktail hours with friends where laughs were plentiful. If you didn’t get a chance to enjoy one of his brandy cherries or hear him speak a little French, you missed out.

Bill was also an active and proud member of the Elks Lodge and Great Lakes Sports & Recreation Club.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jim Flippin, and brothers-in-law, Tony Hannan and Denis Beauchamp.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St, Escanaba from 2-4 p.m. followed by the funeral service officiated by Deacon Mike Lebeau at 4 p.m. A gathering and celebration of Bill’s life will continue at Elks Lodge #354.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Escanaba Area Junior Hockey Association in honor of Bill’s 25 years of coaching and love of hockey.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfunealhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.