Kenneth C. 'Ken' Sipes

Kenneth C. “Ken” Sipes, 86, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. He was born on Nov. 6, 1939, in Lenoir to the late Isaiah Sipes and Junia Mae Hamby Sipes. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence William (Bill) Sipes, and sister, Mary Katherine Swanson.

A 1959 graduate of Lenoir High School, his career included newspaper reporting, human resources, employee communications and photography. He was with Burke Yarns Inc. and Drexel Heritage Furnishings Inc., working in Human Resources and Employee Communications. He owned Ken Sipes Photography, retiring in 2006.

Ken began work in 1950 selling the Lenoir News-Topic on the streets of downtown Lenoir. He became Sports Editor in 1959 and later a news reporter.

He had a lifetime love of baseball and was well known for promoting Lenoir teams in semi-pro baseball. He was the state and regional commissioner of the National Baseball Congress for two years, receiving NBC State Commissioner of the Year award in 1976. Ken organized the National Furniture City Invitational in 1977 and the East Coast Classic in 1992. Ken was inducted into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Ken was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir for 47 years and currently was a member of Valdese First Baptist Church. He photographed churches of the Caldwell Baptist Association for the 2005 award winning book of the Association’s 120-year history.

Ken is survived by his wife, Jean Moses Sipes of the home; daughter, Brandis Pennell (Jason) of Lenoir; stepchildren, Barbara Peters (Gene) and Eric Huffman (Jamie) of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Carson and Becklen Pennell; step-grandchildren, Wendy Hubler, Jennifer Bell (Ben), and Caelyn Steffey; step great-grandchildren, Makayla Robinson, Lakelyn Carswell, and Brielle and Isaac Hubler; step-great-great-granddaughter, Aria Robinson; special niece, Gail Poplin (Hersa); nephews, Wayne Wheeling and Billy Sipes; and special caregiver, Denise Horton. He is also survived by Fallyn, his toy poodle.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir, with Chaplain Jamie Hazel officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AMOREM Hospice.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.