Alan Dwayne Flippin

Alan Dwayne Flippin was born November 19, 1953, in Memphis, TN. He was the second son of Nell Drewry and Erby Fleetwood “Fleet” Flippin. Alan graduated from Overton High School in East Memphis in 1971. He entered Memphis State University and obtained his BS in Marketing in 1976. In 1982 Alan completed his MBA, and in 1996 he completed his Certification as a Medical Development Specialist, both from Memphis State. In 1998 Memphis State awarded him an Honorary Ph.D for his dedication and support of his Alma Mater.

From 1976 to 1985 Alan served as an IBM major accounts representative. In 1993 he developed and became Senior Partner in ADF Medical, which consisted of two locations: Memphis and Nashville, TN. Over the next 20 years, the company succeeded in growing medical practices across Tennessee through the professional staff, developing a team approach to improve referral volumes and relationships, bolster patient satisfaction, identify new revenue opportunities, as well as amplifying the Physicians’ practices in their communities. After almost 30 years, the company became nationally recognized in Healthcare/Physician revenue enhancement techniques with over 2 billion dollars attributed to Physician practices’ bottom lines.

Alan remembered being saved at 11 years old, making his public profession of faith and being baptized at Lamar Heights Baptist Church in Memphis. His faith journey began as a Baptist, which helped him develop an evangelical foundation and eventually led him to membership in Memphis’ dynamic Central Church. Alan became the Department Head for the Sunday School’s elementary classes. He later transferred to the evangelical Hope Presbyterian Church where he was ordained a Deacon and served two terms. His service included many functions, ranging from sharing in their famous Parking Lot Direction & Welcoming Committee to serving as a Counselor for Alcohol & Drug Treatment (for which he had both training and personal experience). In 2007 after buying and establishing a farm in MS, he transferred his membership to the Ripley Presbyterian Church. As a result of his religious experience in evangelism and church growth and his business experience in public relations and increasing effectiveness and engagement for growing companies, Alan soon became an essential member of the Ripley Church’s study on how to reach youth, younger adults, and families. That study led to the addition of a Contemporary Worship service called HeartSong which was extremely successful in fulfilling its purpose. HeartSong separated from the Ripley Church in 2013 to become an independent non-denominational community contemporary-worshipping church in Ripley. In January of 2023 the HeartSong Community Church celebrated the 13th anniversary of its founding. Alan served as an Elder and his wife, Betsy, was a member of the Worship Team, playing the keyboard. They have remained members since their move to Jackson, TN in late 2018.

Over the years Alan developed multiple interests, talents, and hobbies. In the 70s, he played guitar in a few bands and even became a member of the Musicians’ Union. His collections of guitars, both acoustical and electric, many of them beautifully framed, celebrated his passion both for the instrument and the music. He also had a passion for “muscle cars” and over the years had owned many classic cars, including 20 different Corvettes. He also became a licensed pilot for both business and personal travel, and over the years, owned several airplanes.

In January of 2020, Alan was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma, and soon became unable to continue to work. In 2021, he turned ADF Medical over to his business partner, Vanessa Smith, who continues this business today.

Alan leaves behind his wife, Betsy; his sons, Kenneth Flippin of Nashville, TN and Zane (Kelli) Flippin of Southhaven, MS; two grandsons, Caden Flippin of Hernando, MS and Parker Flippin of Southhaven, MS; as well as two step-daughters, Caroline (Casey) Dill of Jackson, TN, and Paige (Chris) Schultz of Chandler, AZ. He was preceded in death by his father Fleetwood, his mother Nell, and his brother Michael. His final resting place will be in Memphis Memory Gardens, beside his parents. The family is requesting no flowers, but instead to make contributions to their charity of choice.

Funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to service. A private family burial will take place the following day at Memphis Memory Gardens.

Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305, 731.668.1111, www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com

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