Mr. Albert Lipsey "Al"

Remembering Albert Lipsey: A Devoted Servant, Leader, Family Man and Friend

Albert Lipsey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, following a sudden illness. He was 82 years old. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his devoted wife of 57 years, Anne Waters Lipsey, and their loving sons, Jeffrey and Stephen.

Albert was born on November 11, 1942, in Lockhart, South Carolina, to the late Willie James and Minnie Lee Lipsey. He later moved with his family to Union, SC, where he attended McBeth Grammar School and graduated from Sims High School in 1961. He went on to earn an Associate Degree in Business from Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, SC, in 1964.

A proud patriot, Albert was drafted into the United States Army in 1964 and served with honor until 1966. His military career continued with the Army National Guard of Georgia and later the U.S. Army Reserve, where he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant. Albert served with distinction during Operation Desert Shield / Storm and retired from the Reserves in 1998 after decades of dedicated service to his country.

A man of deep faith, Albert accepted Jesus Christ early in life and was baptized at Corinth Baptist Church in Union, SC. He later became a dedicated member of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Savannah, where he served as a Eucharistic minister and actively contributed to several church committees. Along his life journey, Albert met and married the love of his life, Miss Anne Waters, on September 16, 1967, in the Bronx, New York. Their union blossomed into a beautiful and enduring partnership built on love, mutual respect, and unwavering support for one another. Together, they raised two amazing sons, traveled the world hand in hand, and stood by each other through every season of life—creating an abundance of cherished memories. In addition, Albert was an avid runner for many years and enjoyed biking, working on cars, fishing and crabbing. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren who will miss him dearly. Albert was a kind, loving and compassionate man who was always willing to help others.

Albert’s professional journey was marked by leadership and a commitment to community empowerment. After relocating to New York, he began working for the Bank of NY. In 1974, he and his family settled in Savannah, GA, where he held various positions at Union Camp Corporation and Citizens & Southern Bank (C&S). His hard work and integrity earned him multiple promotions, culminating in his role as Vice President at Bank of America. Following his career in banking, Albert served the City of Savannah in key roles, including Acting Assistant Director of the Housing Department, consultant to the Neighborhood Housing Service, and ultimately as Deputy Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for Chatham County until his retirement in 2013.

Albert believed deeply in service beyond self and was involved in numerous civic and youth initiatives. He was a charter member and Treasurer of the 100 Black Men of Savannah, an organization he helped guide with unwavering financial stewardship. He also served as Treasurer for The Frogs, Savannah Chapter, and was a member of the Sophisticats and The Mules. Albert was a graduate of Leadership Savannah and lent his time and expertise to organizations including the United Way, Union Mission, Savannah Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Tech Small Business Institute Advisory Committee, the All Urban Emphasis Committee of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Savannah High School Magnet Advisory Council.

Albert is survived by his loving wife Anne; two sons, Jeffrey (Tonya) and Stephen (Tawnia); four grandchildren – Dante, Jared, Isabella, and Evan; two aunts, Carrie E. Wilson and Remattie Petty; three brothers, James Herbert (Fannetta) Lipsey, Ralph (Betty) Lipsey, and Manning Lee (Tammy) Lipsey; five nephews – Mark Lipsey, Alvin Waters, Jr., Jerod Gibson, Yancey Lipsey, and James “Jay” Lipsey; five nieces – Lynette (Michael) Lipsey-Hughes, Grace (Edwin) Ocasio, Rebecca Waters, Crystal Lipsey, Rachel (Athens) McLaughlin; and a host of cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Willie Alfred Lipsey and Anthony “Randy” Lipsey, and three sisters, Delores Lipsey, Alma Lee Darby, and Deborah Lipsey.

Albert’s life was a testament to faith, service, leadership, and love for family and community. He will be remembered not only for the titles he held but for the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

The visitation for Mr. Lipsey will be held on April 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Adams Funeral Services located at 510 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and share cherished memories.

On April 14, 2025, a Mass celebrating Al's remarkable life will take place at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, located at 441 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401, beginning at 11:00 AM. * this service will be live streamed on our YouTube channel and shared to our Facebook page beginning at 11 AM: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ6Qjr6Gw2LgmWHnmq4T6w 

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Following the Mass, Al will be laid to rest in a burial service at Catholic Cemetery, 1720 Wheaton St, Savannah, GA 31404, at 1:00 PM.

Mr. Lipsey's legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of calling him a friend and family member.