Claude Ruzzell Gipson, as his name represents strength and resilience despite their challenges; a strong-willed male child was born to Luther Gipson and Aslee Spencer-Johnson on June 6, 1932, in Centerville, Texas.
Ruzzell, as he was fondly called, was raised by his grandmother, Martha Spencer, along with four other grandchildren. One cousin who was raised with him was Virgie Tubbs, who recalls many stories about their life in Centerville. The grandchildren were not able to attend school until the first of October because they had to work the month of September picking cotton in order to purchase their school clothing. Unfortunately, Ruzzell did not attend high school due to the distance to catch the bus.
Ruzzell accepted Christ in his life at an early age under the pastoral leadership of Reverend E.D. Overall. He was faithful attending worship services, Sunday School, and Baptist Training Union. At the age of 13, he was chosen as a junior deacon and served faithfully in the church until he relocated. At the age of 15, he was employed by a home builder contractor, and at the age of 18, he went to Frost, Texas to pick cotton.
He relocated to Arizona with Jean Price and Jim Swindle in 1950 and began working very hard at a cotton gin and several other places in order to pursue his goals. With his God-given wisdom, a walk of faith, and determination, he said to himself, “If I can help someone else build their business, I can be my own entrepreneur.”
Ruzzell met and married a beautiful young woman, Isabel Hankins, February 1954, at the Hankins family residence. What a joyous day it was to have all of the family gathered together. To this union, were born two children, Rose Marie and Darwin.
He believed in taking care of business. He was a diligent man who chased success. He faced roadblocks of financial restraints and racial discrimination. But he was determined to overcome imposed barriers. He worked at Producers Cotton Gin as a ginner. He worked as a butcher at Levi Harris’ grocery store. He worked at an alfalfa mill for 50 cents per hour. Later, old man Peters saw the diligent worker and blessed Ruzzell with two bobtail trucks, carrying alfalfa hay. From this latter experience Mr. Peters made it possible for Ruzzell to purchase the trucks.
He was serious about becoming a businessman. The good Lord blessed him and his wife to become entrepreneurs in 1963. They owned and operated Gipson Transportation Inc., Gipson Towing, which was one of the largest in the Casa Grande area, and Gipson’s Diesel Shop & Parts, which was a large truck repair business, the first Black-owned Cummins authorized dealer in Pinal County. Other accomplishments included owner of CG Commodities, a successful agricultural commodities freight and distribution business, and was a major player in the restaurant business for many years. He was a partner with Tony Serrano, as a co-owner of The Arches Restaurant and co-owner of a club, the Cozy Spot now closed. He owned homes and property under CG Real Estate and was co-owner of NEMEX Cattle Company. He was largely responsible for bringing the dairy industry to Pinal County and he maintained a powerful presence in the Pinal County political arena.
Ruzzell worked hard all of his life. From rags to riches, his dream and his passion was fulfilled. He traveled to Paris to Amsterdam to Hawaii. From picking cotton to selling cotton, he controlled an industry. He climbed the proverbial ladder of success and was honored by the Pinal 40 with a lifetime Achievement Award. Frank Boyce told Pinal Central that Gipson is an icon of Pinal County. Ruzzell made his mark in the city of Casa Grande, the state of Arizona and the Country. He was honored with an invitation to the 2009 inauguration of President Barak Obama.
As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he supported the Boys & Girls Club of Casa Grande, Pinal County 4H Club, the Arizona Burn Center, Mayo Clinic, the ALS Foundation, Pinal 40, established the Gipson Education Trust and the Isabel and Claude Gipson Promise Scholarship at Central Arizona College, sponsored the Gipson’s Towing Softball Team, supported many churches from Phoenix, to Mesa, to Coolidge, and Casa Grande and gave to the campaign for President Barak Obama. The commendations he received were the Claude Gipson Day, established by Mayor Chuck Walton on June 6, 2002, Appointment of Honorary Pinal County Attorney in 2007, and Reserve Police Officer of Casa Grande. He was a fighter for life until his last days. As he laid in his bed of affliction, his last act of business was selling cattle and hay. He was the Man, the Myth and the Legend!
Ruzzell’s parents preceded him in death, Luther Gipson and Aslee Spencer-Johnson; his wife of 49 years, Isabel; and son, Claude R. Gipson, Jr.
He is survived by his daughter, Rose Marie Gipson, Casa Grande; son, Darwin (Lisa) Gipson, Casa Grande; cousin “sister”, Virgie Handsborough, Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, April, Felisha, Carina, Varick, Darick, Darwin Jr., and Jerissa; 22 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine and Wilma Hankins; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, better known as his brothers, Tony Serrano and Ulysses Sharp, Sr.
Service will be on Saturday, August 3rd at Trinity Southern Baptist Church, 1100 E. Trinity Place, Casa Grande, Arizona. Visitation will start at 9 a.m. and service at 10 a.m. with the burial following at Mt. View Cemetery. Flowers can be sent to J. Warren Gardens Chapel at 525 N. Peart Rd. on Friday, August 2nd. J. Warren Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.
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