Raleigh Lonzo David Nipper, 85, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at his home.

Lonzo was born in Raleigh in 1929 the youngest of seven children. He was raised on the family farm where he also worked. Lonzo was a graduate of the first graduating class of Cary High School (in 1947). While he attended Cary High he also drove a school bus.

After graduating high school he worked for Pine State Creamery. He then worked for Carolina Power and Light as a lineman for 19 years. During his employment Lonzo was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served our country for two years during the Korean War. While serving his country Lonzo met the love of his life Carline. The two were married in 1956 and went on to have two children Johnny R. Nipper and Kathy G. Nipper.

In the 1960s, he began a career with the United States Post Office. In 1969, Lonzo began his career as an Insurance Agent with Southwestern Life Insurance Company until 1972. He continued his career with Farm Bureau Insurance Company until 1982 when he started his own Insurance Agency, Swift Creek Insurance and Realty.

On November 12, 1991, Lonzo became a proud Grandfather to his only grandson Jacob Nipper. Jacob was his world, "Grandpa" taught him the importance of financial management. His greatest wish for Jacob was to see to it that his grandson graduated from College. That proud moment came for "Grandpa" on December 14, 2013 when Jacob received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Campbell University in just three and a half years.

Lonzo officially retired from the insurance industry in 2000. Once retired, Lonzo and Carline traveled often to Florida where they would visit Disney World and Epcot Center. In their many travels they were able to visit almost all fifty states. Lonzo and Carline both being Elvis fans, visited Graceland on a few occasions.

Lonzo is predeceased in death by his parents Lonzo Howard and Viola Nipper, daughter Kathy Nipper as well as his loving wife of 51 years Carline Nipper. He is survived by his only son Johnny R. Nipper, wife Cindy and grandson Jacob all of Fuquay-Varina. Lonzo is lovingly survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel, Sunday, December 28, 201 at 2pm with interment at Montlawn Memorial Park immediately following. The Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.