Paul Dean "Goat" Cissom

On Thursday morning July 20, 2023, Paul Dean "Goat" Cissom, 83, lifelong resident of Tippah County, passed away peacefully at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, AL

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Mr. Cissom will be from 4 PM to 8 PM Tuesday, July 25 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with personal reflections given by Bro. Doc Shelton, Bro. Jesse Cutrer and Br. Corey Porterfield.

Mr. Cissom was born January 9, 1940 in Ripley, the last surviving child of the late R.C. and Vera Turner Cissom. He received his education in the Chapman Public School System and was an avid farmer throughout his life. A Christian and member of the "McDonalds Coffee Club", he was known by his family as the ultimate outdoorsman. Having a passion for fishing, Mr. Cissom could fish much better than his children and would tell even better fishing stories that included his 30 lb catfish or his 150 lbs of fish. As a deer hunter, he had a great sense of direction, an "ear for the sound of a dog" when hunting and was known as "Smiley" on his CB handle. As an avid gardener, he worked daylight to dark, but could grow the biggest batch of tomatoes that he enjoyed sharing.  He loved his family and, in return his children and grandchildren had a lot of respect for him. When he wasn't in the garden, hunting or fishing, Mr. Cissom enjoyed dining out and attending auctions with his special friend.

Memories will continue to be shared by his daughter, Betty Matthews (Grady) of Middleton, TN, two sons, Jimmy Cissom (Gloria) of Walnut, Gerald Cissom (Julie) of Ripley, seven grandchildren Grady Matthews, Jr., Cindy Medlin (Mitchell), Robin Simpson (Scott Woods), Adam Cissom (Mary), Ben Boyer (Casey), Dr. Cody Cissom (Allie) and Jake Cissom (Lauren), ten great grandchildren and a special friend, Alice Jacobs of Oakland.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth "Ruby" Heavener Cissom, a sister, Clara Jean Vandygriff, and a brother, R.V. Cissom.

The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories.

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