CLINTON, S.C. — The sounds of revving engines, classic cars, and community fellowship filled Whiteford’s Drive-In on Saturday morning as friends, family members, first responders, and supporters gathered for the annual Hunter Sipes Memorial Ride.
Held in honor of the late Clinton firefighter and 2020 Clinton High School graduate, the event once again brought the community together to remember Hunter Sipes while raising awareness about the dangers of drunk and impaired driving.
Participants gathered throughout the morning at Whiteford’s Drive-In before the memorial ride began at 10 a.m. While motorcycles remained a central part of the event, this year’s gathering also included a car show that drew additional community members and automotive enthusiasts to the memorial celebration.
The annual event is organized by Angie Whiteford, Hunter’s mother, who has continued turning personal tragedy into a message of remembrance, education, and unity. Memorial photographs of Hunter lined portions of the event area and route, serving as a reminder of the young firefighter whose impact is still deeply felt throughout the Clinton community.
Local first responders and law enforcement agencies were represented throughout the event, with booths providing educational materials and safety information related to impaired driving and roadway awareness. One familiar face drawing smiles from attendees was local celebrity impersonator Ronnie Felker, better known around the area for portraying Mayberry’s beloved deputy Barney Fife. Felker mingled with guests throughout the event, adding a lighthearted touch to the day while supporting the memorial effort.
Representatives from the Clinton and Joanna Fire Departments, local law enforcement agencies, and community organizations also distributed bracelets, pamphlets, coloring books, and T-shirts aimed at promoting safe driving and honoring Hunter’s memory.
Sipes was critically injured in 2020 while riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Highway 76 near Randall Drive when a vehicle entered his path from a private driveway. He later died from injuries sustained in the crash, a loss that sent shockwaves through the Clinton community and local first responders.
Saturday’s memorial once again demonstrated the lasting impact Hunter Sipes continues to have on the people who knew him and the community he served.
For many in attendance, the annual ride has become more than a memorial event. It is a reminder of the importance of community, the consequences of impaired driving, and the enduring legacy of a young firefighter whose memory continues to bring people together.
