William Richard Clipson passed away at the age of 64 on January 7, 2017, in the Baptist Hospice Home in Collierville, TN.  Richard was born on January 1, 1953 in Lakeland, FL to William F. Clipson (Coach) and Madolyn Clipson.  He grew up in Troy and at the age of 15 moved to Tuscaloosa, AL.  Richard was an Eagle Scout and excelled in sports.  He was an active member of the swim team in high school and graduated with academic honors in 1971 from Tuscaloosa High School.  After graduating from the University of Alabama, he moved to Memphis, TN.  Richard worked in the automobile sales/financial industry in Memphis, TN.  He received many sales awards and never met a stranger.  He was a gifted storyteller, always had a joke to tell and a nickname for most people he met.  Richard remained a loyal Alabama fan.  He is survived by his wife,  Shane of Memphis, TN; his sister, Dr. Kathryn C. Jones (Tony) of Birmingham, AL; his cousin, Dave Terry of Hawaii; his niece, Katie Tompkins (John) of Birmingham, AL; nephew, James of Nashville, TN; great-niece, Whitney Tompkins of Birmingham, AL.  A graveside service will be held on April 1, 2017 at 11:00 am at Green Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, AL.