Billy Pippin

Bill Pippin, 89, of Ruidoso, NM, crossed the finish line peacefully into the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was born August 30, 1933, in Portales, NM, to the late Mary (Lovorn) and Cleve Pippin.

In his youth, Bill attended Portales High School, served in the US Army, and attended Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), where he met Robbie Hatch, they married in August of 1955.

Bill worked for the US Postal Service to pay for his education until he obtained a BA in math/science in August of 1960. That same year, he welcomed his daughter, Donda, into the world.

The family relocated to Ruidoso, NM, where he began his professional career as a high school teacher. His family continued to grow when his second child, Greg, was born. While teaching at Ruidoso High, he loved his students and was nicknamed "Uncle Bill." Bill never shied away from hard work and began selling real estate part-time to better support his family. Then in 1963, Bill transitioned from teaching and established Bill Pippin Real Estate.

Bill continued to sell real estate for over 59 years where he was known as "The Guy with the Buy." No matter the distance, Bill made an everlasting impression on people from all over the southwest, changing the game of real estate. In 2001, Donda joined Bill Pippin Real Estate and for the next 20 years they continued to make an impact on the community, recognized as the "dynamic duo" until the day he passed.

Bill was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. He looked forward to hunting trips with his cousins, Wayland and Jim. Bill also enjoyed traveling and taking in the scenery with his second wife, Betty, and their dog "Skoshi too." They were inseparable and always loved watching the deer and elk while taking a run up the canyons of Weed. The memories made and stories told will live on forever.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Robbie Louise Hatch, and second wife, Betty Lee Pippin.

He is also survived by two children, daughter Donda (Clifford) Richardson of NM and son Greg (Maria) Pippin of MD; sister in-law, Billie Dentler, and brother in-law, James Hatch; eight grandchildren, Weston (Rachael) Richardson of TX, Robbie Lee (Thomas) of TX, Joseph Pippin of MD, Josh (Keri) Beazell of MD, Julee (Joe) Murk of MD, and Brittany Daley of CA; A.J. (Amber) Richardson of TX, Jerry (Rye) Richardson of NM; eight great grandchildren (Addison, Emeri, Oliver, Donovan, Vincent, Benjamin, Jacob, and Emmaleigh). Bill had a special bond with his three sisters, "big little sister" Joe Ann Bonds of NM, "middle little sister" Linda (Mike) Williams of CA, "little little sister" Ginger Tate of NM. He always cherished being their big brother. He also leaves behind numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends, whom he enjoyed throughout his life.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 17th from 4 to 7 PM at LaGrone Funeral Chapel at 341 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM.

Funeral services are 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 18th at Ruidoso First Baptist Church on 270 Country Club Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345, followed by the burial at Forrest Lawn Cemetery. Please join us back at the First Baptist Church for refreshments and to celebrate Bill's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, 1096 Mechem Dr, Ste 302B, Ruidoso, NM 88345. A very special thank you to Arturo and Socorro for always watching out for Bill. Additionally, we are grateful for the many years of compassionate care provided by Dr. Joseph Marino.

Livestream for Wednesday at 10 am at the following address:
www.firstruidoso.com/livestream