Millard Ray Pipkins, 91, returned to his heavenly home on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his later years of life and ultimately gave him peace.

Millard was born to Julius and Ola Pipkins in Beaumont, MS on January 12, 1929. He had five siblings: Jay Lee Pipkins, Eulapat Pipkins, Alice Virginia Pipkins, Evolyn Pipkins Robinson, and Noel Pipkins. From an early age, he was immersed in the Christian community that would be his lifelong support. Millard felt the call to be a Missionary during his years at Southeastern Bible College. He graduated from Southeastern Bible College in 1950 with a degree in ministry. Millard was ordained by the Assemblies of God shortly after graduating from college.

Millard was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend and fellow ordained minister, Nellie Jane (Workman) Pipkins, on June 10, 1950 in Shrewsbury, PA. Following their wedding, Millard and Nellie followed the call of God to Benin and Togo, West Africa to serve as Assemblies of God missionaries for 45 years. Millard was a devoted father to their three children Juanita, Deborah, and Timothy. They often traveled as a family to minister to the unreached villages in West Africa. Millard helped establish a vibrant christian community and won many souls for the Kingdom of God. His love for construction helped build many churches and two Bible schools during his tenure. From the very beginning, he dedicated his family and ministry to the Lord and encouraged them to wholeheartedly serve God with their lives.

Millard was known for his love of flowers, building, and his practical jokes. He was kind, servant hearted, and could always put a smile on your face. He was always available to help anyone in need, no matter the circumstance. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator.

Millard is survived by his Sweetie, Nellie; his children, Juantia Jacobsen, Deborah Leader, and Timothy Pipkin and wife Anita; his grandchildren, Jessi & Donovan Marais, Sarah & Jacob Ruchotzke, Carey Leader, Andrew Leader, Erik-Thor Jacobsen, Emily Pipkin, Caleb & Elisabeth Pipkin, and Joshua Pipkin & Ashley Rolewicz; and his great grandchildren, Ethan, Wade, Elaine, and Jaya. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

Millard will be buried at the Ash Grove Cemetery in Ash Grove, MO on Saturday, April 18, 2020. At this time, a private family service will be officiated by Rev. Timothy Pipkin. A memorial service will take place at a later time so his extended family, friends, and community can celebrate his life and legacy.

In lieu of cards or flowers, the family requests that we honor Millard's love of building and his faithful work in West Africa. Please consider sending a memorial gift in his name for the building of a church in Benin. Memorial gifts can be sent to Ash Grove Assembly of God: P.O. Box 365, Ash Grove, MO 65604 or at ashgroveag.org.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions:

Millard will lie in state at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, Friday, April 17, 2020 from noon-5:00PM. Friends may come by to pay their respects. No more than 10 people will be allowed in the building at a time.