HILLIARD, Fla. – A large crowd gathered Wednesday for the funeral of a 40-year-old man shot and killed last week in the parking lot of Nippers Beach Grille in Jacksonville Beach.
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department said Zach Tipton was involved in a fight that escalated and someone pulled a gun and shot him.
Not only friends and family, but hundreds from the biker community went to Ephesus Baptist Church in Hilliard on Wednesday to show their respects and say their final goodbyes to Tipton. Loved ones said he was an amazing husband and father of three and will be missed dearly.
Tipton's father, Jimmy Carter, said this is something a parent should never have to go through.
"I've lost a mother, I've lost a father, I've lost a brother, I've lost a sister, but i haven't ever lost one of my kids," Carter said. "So it's pretty rough on me. It's different. I don't think anybody should outlive their kids. It's a sad experience to see."
While the service went on inside the church, hundreds of motorcyclists gathered outside. When the funeral was over, Tipton's coffin wasn't carried in a car but behind a motorcycle.
Carter said his son loved his family, motorcycles and boats. He said he couldn't have asked for a better son.
"He was a great father, great father, great son," Carter said. "I was lucky to have him."
The name of the person who shot Tipton has not been released yet, and so far no charges have been filed.