Alpha Tippens, Jr. was born on June 24, 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas to Alpha Sr. and Maggie (Shed) Tippens. He was the second of two children.

Alpha was raised in Fairfield, Texas and attended Dogan High School in Fairfield, Texas.

He served in the U.S. Army (September 1969 - September 1971, serving in the Vietnam War.

Alpha married Gertie "Trudy" Washington, this union was blessed with one daughter, Frances Tippens-McKnight. He later married Veronica Canady, this union brought a step-son to the family, Edward Da'Rel Brackens.

Alpha Tippens, Jr., passed away on February 9, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alpha Sr. and Maggie Tippens; sister, Stella Henry; brother, Richard Williams.

Those left to cherish sweet memories are: daughter, Frances (Eric c.) Tippens-McKnight, Dallas, Texas; step-son, Edward Da'Rel Brackens, Fairfield, Texas; two brothers, David Lynn Tippens and Alpha Tippens; four sisters, Gloria Jean Brackens, Sandra Dee Tippens, Tonda Diane Williams and Leisha Yvonne Tippens; three aunts, Ida Mae Phillips, Vertis Nell Woodard and Annie (Willie) Gill; uncle, Robert Shed; three grandchildren, Kiaria Catrice Tippens, MiKayla Daleon Henderson and Eric Contrell McKnight, Jr. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.