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Benjamin Bailey Liipfert

July 29, 1936 ~ May 1, 2019

Benjamin Bailey Liipfert Jr. passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on July 29, 1936 to Mary Thomas Liipfert and Benjamin Bailey Liipfert. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy Elizabeth Liipfert of Rocky Mount, and two children, Benjamin Bailey Liipfert III (Theresa) of Winston-Salem, and Catherine E. Liipfert of Rocky Mount, as well as five grandchildren, Nicholas P. Carrier, Caroline E. Carrier, Tucker T. Carrier, Stephen M. Greene and Nina E. Liipfert. He is also survived by a brother and sister, Cowles Liipfert (Maureen) of Winston-Salem and Mary Lou Liipfert Williams of Littleton, and Nancys brother, Mike Evans (Pam), and many loving nieces and nephews. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1958. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, and in 1962, he received an MBA degree from UNC Chapel Hill, after which he worked in the International Finance Department at Standard Oil of New Jersey for several years. He returned to North Carolina to work for Evans Lumber Company in Nashville, NC, where he helped to grow that company into a successful, innovative company. After leaving that company, he continued to serve on active duty in the US Navy and attained the rank of Captain prior to retirement. His military service included underwater demolition, mine warfare as Captain of the USS Shrike - a coastal minesweeper in Wilmington, North Carolina, and as commodore of a division of minesweepers, as well as special assignments in Washington, DC. He retired from the Navy to join his wife, who established Nancy Liipfert Associates, Inc. in Rocky Mount, and spent many years with the company in residential real estate. Many folks arriving in Rocky Mount were introduced to the City by Bailey Liipfert, who never called himself a realtor - he said he was just helping his wife - but was in fact a great realtor and salesman, who helped build Nancy Liipfert Associates, Inc. into a successful firm for thirty years. Liipfert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount, NC and served as a Deacon for many years. He was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to pursue strong, liberal arts educations and to participate in sports and civic activities. We will all miss him greatly; but none as much as his dear wife, Nancy. The family will be receiving friends at the home of Nancys brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Pam Evans, at 1617 Rivera Drive, Rocky Mount, NC between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount, NC. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com. Visitation Location Not Available Sunday 5/5, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Service First Presbyterian Church 153 North Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Monday 5/6, 11:00 am

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  1. I consider Bailey a dear friend. We shared many great moments playing chess at Via Cappuccino. He helped me by sponsoring several tournaments and was a great encouragement to many people. We will definitely miss his great friendship.

  2. Bailey and Nancy were among the first people to welcome us to Rocky Mount when we moved here 13 years ago through the real estate agency. I saw him often at the Diner and at Via Cappuccino. He taught me to play chess and taught us all what patriotism and honor meant. Im thankful for the privilege of his friendship and kindess. He will be greatly missed. Prayers and loving thoughts to his family. Sincerely, The Bentley Family

  3. Bailey was an iconic Patriot who loved his family as much as his country. His quiet demeanor, intelligence, and sharp wit made him a pleasure to be around. When I spoke with him last year, I found he had not lost his passion for life or his love of family. He will be fondly remembered. Sherry Hanchuck Coussens

  4. My condolences to you Tucker, and your family. I enjoyed listening to the many stories and animated conversations with Bailey and other patrons at Via Cappuccino and Morning Addiction. What a sweet and endearing man who thought very highly of you, Tucker. Peace, eternal peace.

  5. Special prayers to the Liipfert Family. We always enjoyed the visits paid by Nancy and Benjamin to our family celebrations! My heart is with you,Bailey, Theresa, and family. Yolanda

  6. Bailey taught me so much about real estate (and politics!). He was fun to work with as was Nancy. He would call me at the office from his car and tell me to write down this number and call it now! I always did what he told me and I would call it….the voice mail would come up and say you have reached the office of Hillary Clinton and of course I would slam the phone down. Bailey got me every time! Loved him and his family. He will be missed by many.

  7. Bailey was one of my favorite customers when I was a barista at Via Cappuccino my senior year in high school and freshman year at NCSU. I loved our conversations which were always lively and covered everything from politics to dieting. He always had book recommendations and gave me a copy of Endurance by Alfred Lansing, which I found recently. I decided to google his name and was saddened to see that he had passed away. Rocky Mount will be a little less bright without his light.

  8. I just now learned that Bailey had left the planet in May 2019. He was a very dear friend of my Daddy’s, Arnold Boswell, for many years. I knew Bailey from back in my high school years from the connection with Daddy. I always respected his intelligence and point of view politically way back then (pre 1969). When I returned to Rocky Mount in 2003 after many years being away we reconnected through Nancy’s highly successful real estate firm. I didn’t regularly see Bailey the 16 years I was in RM before moving to Myrtle Beach in 2019, but thankfully did reconnect with him just prior to my leaving. He was the same charming intelligent Conservative that I recalled from our first meeting way back ore 1969. I am grateful to have known him again and am sad to learn just today of his passing. My warn wishes to Nancy, Bailey, and Katherine.


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