Thomas “Tom” T. Klipp

Thomas “Tom” T. Klipp, 76, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away suddenly on June 11, 2026. Born February 1, 1950 in Hagerstown, Maryland, he was the son of the late Norman and Louise Klipp (later Jones) and the youngest of five siblings. Tom is survived by his daughters, Julie Klipp and Cecily Manejwala, his grandsons West Nicholson, Adam Manejwala and Amir Manajewala, two of his siblings and so many dear friends.

Tom graduated from North Hagerstown High School and started his career at the Washington County Board of Education in their brand-new television instruction department. This was the beginning of his long career behind the camera, producing and directing television. After moving to Charlotte in 1978, Tom joined WTVI public television. He produced and directed national and local shows with WTVI. In the late 90s, Tom started his own freelance business producing and directing shows for NASCAR, TLC and other outlets. He loved the creativity of sharing stories through television. After running his own business for several years, he joined the NASCAR Media Group and then retired from television in 2016.

In his retirement Tom took up woodcraft. With found objects, colorful paint and imagination he built birdhouses, folk art and small furniture pieces. He could often be found in his garage studio creating a whimsical art piece. His largest and most loved project was the play structure he designed and built for his grandsons.

While Tom didn’t have a great role model for fatherhood in his childhood, he was a loving dad to his daughters. In their adult years, he showed up during times of life transitions as a steady presence, making sure that his girls always knew they had his unconditional support. He never missed an opportunity to tell his daughters he was proud of them. Perhaps his greatest joy was being Grandpa to his three grandsons. He loved attending the boys’ sports and school events and hearing about whatever his grandboys were up to.

Tom was deeply involved in the recovery community for 37 years and was dedicated in his service to others. He had deep and meaningful relationships with his many close friends. Regular meals full of laughter with his friends filled his heart with joy and gratitude.

An avid and loyal Carolina Panthers fan and proud PLS owner, Tom never stopped believing in the Pather’s motto, “Keep Pounding” even through the team’s lowest points. Panthers game days were some of his favorite days and he loved cheering for the Panthers (and offering “constructive criticism”) from his lower-level seats. He raised his daughters and grandsons to be Panthers fans and taught them all about the game and strategy. To celebrate his retirement, Tom got to experience his dream of watching the Panthers play in the Super Bowl in person. While the game outcome was disappointing, it was an experience of a lifetime for Tom. In the Panther’s time at Bank of America stadium, Tom only missed two home games, one while recovering from surgery (at his daughters’ insistence) and one to make sure his daughters could attend a game together. Bank of America stadium will be a little quieter on game day without Tom there cheering on the Panthers. If you get the chance to attend a game this upcoming season, please cheer a little louder and more enthusiastically for the team in his absence.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center, the Steve Smith Family Foundation Behavioral Urgent Care or any charity of your choice or do an act of service in memory of Tom.

Keep Pounding!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.