SGT David Joseph Kipper (‘Kip’), age 38, of Hampton, VA passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021. David was born on May 2, 1983 in Rocky Mount, Virginia and grew up in Newport News. He graduated from Menchville High School, where he was the captain of the varsity football team, in 2001.

David was a Soldier. He joined the Virginia Army National Guard in 2008 as Signal Support Specialist, and he deployed to Iraq with the 1-116th Infantry Regiment in 2010. “Ever Forward.” He was a subject matter expert in military communications, and he was absolutely essential to mission accomplishment. He was dedicated and hard-working, and he lived the Army value of selfless service.

David was a pool player. He ran the pool tournaments at Hoss’s before he was even old enough to buy a drink. He was fearless on the pool table, and the only thing he ran better than a rack was his mouth. No one wanted any of his smoke. His death is a huge loss to the local pool community.

You always knew when David was in the room, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. His smile was infectious, and his laugh was contagious. He was always cracking jokes and making people laugh. He was truly one of a kind.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaylei; Mother, Deborah Johnson Hess; Father, James Alfred Kipper; Sister, Rebecca (Alex) Kipper; Brother, James Daniel Kipper; Nephew, Damien Kipper; Grandfather, Clyde Johnson; Uncles, Robert Kipper and Rodney Johnson; Aunts, Amanda (Keith) Smith and Judy Moss; numerous cousins; and countless friends. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Alfred and Mary Kipper and his grandmother, Ruth Johnson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, with a visitation to follow immediately after until 7:30 p.m. The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David’s name to the 116th Infantry Regiment Foundation, Inc. at https://116thfoundation.org/support/ or to Faith Recovery at https://faithrecoveryhope.org/donate/.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.