Oxford, MS
Funeral Home
Walker Funeral Home
Visitation
Service
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on August 26, 2025, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Staff Sergeant Michael “Mike” Vanderlip, age 68, who had served in 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor Regiment, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord. Mike was a M1 Master Gunner.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:
Reverend Michael Gregory “Moses” Vanderlip of Oxford, MS passed away on August 26, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital North MS at the age of 68, with his devoted wife by his side. Services will be held Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home. Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 P.M.
Michael graduated from Campbellsville High School in Campbellsville, KY, attended Northwest Mississippi Community College, and then went to the University of Mississippi, receiving his master’s degree in accounting.
A retired Staff Sergeant of the Mississippi Army National Guard, Michael worked at the University of Mississippi and Northwest Mississippi Community College. He became the Youth Minister at New Prospect Baptist Church where he was dedicated to the youth. He formed many lasting relationships and was privileged to officiate the marriage ceremonies of these now young adults. Michael prayed and felt the call to accept being the Pastor of Taylor Baptist Church where he served until his retirement.
Michael is survived by his wife, Sherry Knight Vanderlip. On August 9th, Michael and Sherry celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary and felt blessed that they were given this wonderful life together. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Vanderlip (Marlene) of Winona, MS; his sisters-in-law Donis Catledge (Dunlap) of Aberdeen, MS, and Pamela Knight of Oxford, MS; his nephews Erik Vanderlip (Tiffany) and their children Henry and Madeline, Charles Catledge (Kristen) and their children Charlie, Ben, and Hannah, and Alex Catledge (Kimberly), and their son Cole; and nieces Meagan Gregg (Barry) and their children Gunner, Marlee Francis, and Livie Scott; Kacey Bender (James) and their children Mia and Jay; and Cindi Matthews (David) and their daughter Isabetta; and Susan Manuel and her children Adonis and Jayde.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Juanita Loebbaka Vanderlip; his sisters, Susan Vanderlip, Mary Beth Vanderlip, Sheila Vanderlip, Sharon Eskew, and Patricia Payne.
Memorial contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or the church of your choice.