306 Glenwood Ave
Burlington, North Carolina
Bernard (Tripp) Oakley III died unexpectedly in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 2, 2013. He was 37 years old. Tripp had been teaching English abroad for several years and he had held his current job at the Bina Bangsa School in Jakarta for a year.
Tripp graduated from Williams High School in 1994 where he was an honor student and starting goalie for the soccer team for three years. Tripp then attended Guilford College in Greensboro, earning a double major in English and Philosophy. He started at goalie for the Guilford soccer team his freshman year. He later attended graduate school at the University of Alaska – Fairbanks. He received a Masters Degree in English and also earned his teaching certificate and license during his study there.
His first teaching jobs were in bush fishing villages in Alaska. These villages were accessible only by plane. He taught for two years in Chignik Lake, Alaska – a village with fewer than 200 people on the Alaskan Peninsula. He taught another year on the North Slope of Alaska in Kaktovik – a village of approximately 300 people.
After returning to Burlington, Tripp took a job with Millender Furniture as the Quality Control executive based in Dansui, China. He kept that job for over three years during which time he became fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Tripp then took a job in China as an English teacher. He continued to work as an English teacher in China, Kuwait and, finally, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Tripp had a great love for sports and music. He was an avid fan of the UNC Tar Heels, even though he was often thousands of miles away. Tripp played basketball, soccer and football at Turrentine Middle School. He started at goalie in soccer and guard on the Turrentine basketball team and won the Coach's Award in both sports in the eighth grade. His most memorable sports moment in middle school was kicking the first field goal in Turrentine Middle School history which won the football game against Southern Middle School with only a few seconds left. His teammates carried him from the field in celebration.
At Williams High, Tripp concentrated on soccer. He was the starting goalie for three years. During his senior year the WHS soccer team was ranked number one in the state. Tripp was a captain of the team and again won the Coach's Award his senior year. He was also All-Conference and All-Region his Senior year.
Music was another constant in his life. He began taking piano lessons in elementary school and continued this study through his senior year in high school. He also began taking classical guitar during middle school and continued into high school. He continued to play and perform as a guitarist during all of his travels.
He is survived by his parents, Debbie and Bernie Oakley of Burlington, his great friend and brother, Matt, of Wilmington, his aunt and uncle, Cindy and Robert Taylor, of Newport, N.C., his cousins Jennifer and Derek Van Sickle and his niece, Cora. Tripp's fiancée, Jill Noval, lives on their farm in Mindanao, Philippines. They planned to marry in December 2013 after a long courtship. Tripp will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Memorial Services were held in Jakarta at the Bina Bangsa School on April 4 and 5.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pat Tillman Foundation in Tripp's memory.
Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington submitted local information.
Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bernie and Debbie,
Susan and I are deeply saddened at the news of Tripp's death. He had given so much to others and had so much more to give. We know how devastating this is. We will be in touch soon to express our condolences in person.
Steve and Susan Balog
Steve and Susan Balog
April 13, 2013
Dear Debbie and Bernie,So sorry to hear of the lost of your son.Just want to let you know you are in our thoughts and in our prayers. Deborah Loy&Martha Combs 04/12/2013
April 12, 2013
I was going to new bern & read the friday paper & read about tripp. I am so so sorry for your loss of your soecial son. We know he resides in heaven, but I can't help but to shed tears for your family!I can only pray for you all. I will call you after a few weeks. I'm sure that it's too hard to talk about it at thid time. I love you; you're a special person too!
April 12, 2013
I was a student of his. Mr B was truly the grestest English teacher that ever lived. he was always kind and caring, made jokes throught class. he made everyone feel special. english grammar period won't be the same without you.
Joceline Teja
April 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time.
Mary Leigh and John
April 10, 2013
Debbie and Bernie - I am so sorry to hear about your son. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marie Vetter
April 10, 2013
Matt & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember the "Happy times" you shared to get you through this difficult time.
Lori Abbott
April 9, 2013
Bernie and Debbie,
I have just learned of your loss. I know that this is so hard and overwhelming for you. Please know that I am so sorry and will remember you in my daily prayers.
Patti Greeson, UNC-CH
April 9, 2013
Debbie and Bernie... I am so sorry to hear of this...it is so ironic, this is the same day I lost my Mom....Believe me, I feel your loss and pain. We buried Mom today. Would love to talk to you...my number is 919-562-3912...I know we haven't seen each other in a long time, but you have always remained in my heart...
Love,
Pam Ussery
Pam
April 8, 2013
Dearest Bernie And Debbie, there are no words that I or anyone else could ever say for what you must be going through. I can not imagine losing a child. Just know that my love is there for you and you have been in my thoughts since Bobby Phillips called me Saturday morning, after he saw the Burlington Paper.Please cotact me sometime. I would love to hear from you. I love you, always have! Love your cousin, Pamela Faye
Pamela Faye James
April 8, 2013
"A file of young people walking through a small wood..." I will cherish the times we spent together and the memories forever. My heart goes out to you Matt, Mr. and Mrs. Oakley, you are in my my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Armstrong
April 8, 2013
Hello Matt and family, wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Rogers
April 8, 2013
Matt, I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of your brother. You favor him a lot. Thinks for sharing all of the wonderful things he has accomplished. You and your family are truly blessed to have had someone that special in your life. Carolyn McLamb
April 8, 2013
Bernie,
There are no words to offer comfort at a time like this. Please know that you are on my heart and mind. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Amy
Amy Edmondson
April 8, 2013
Bernie
I am so saddened by your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. God Bless you and your family.
You are in our prayers.
The Watson Family
Gidget, Charon and Nala
gidget watson
April 8, 2013
Matt, I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family to find comfort in each other and your wonderful memories. {Hugs}
Marcie Jaquish
April 8, 2013
Bernie, Debbie, Matt and family,
I am so sorry to hear about my son's (Rhett Vernon)"little brother". I have fond memories of him and you on our Boys Choir cruise. May your memories bring you joy in the days to come. Tripp's light will live forever in all the good works he has done. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Smith
Judy Smith
April 8, 2013
Bernie,
Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of your son. My heart is with you. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Amy
Amy Edmondson
April 8, 2013
I wish I could have gotten to know Tripp better. I knew of him as an athlete and musician and as someone who lived an inspiring and unique life. I wonder if he knew how many people loved, cared for, and respected him. Bernie, Debbie, and Matt, I'm so sorry for your and everyone's loss. Sending lots of love and prayers for peace and comfort your way. "For we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him."
Kirk Huneycutt
April 7, 2013
My very deepest sympathy.
Becky Finley Lewis
April 7, 2013
Matt, Bernie, and Debbie - Sending the family my love and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Agnew
April 7, 2013
I didn't know your son, but a son/daughter is universal. I am so sorry for your loss, Heavens gain..I haven't seen you guys since high school, and we weren't friends then. But, doesn't matter. Im a mother and can't imagine what you are going through right now. May God give you HIS Peace that passes ALL understanding.
Martha Braddy-Laws
April 7, 2013
Matt,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so very sorry for you loss. Betsy
Betsy Stanwood
April 7, 2013
In elementary school, I played soccer with Tripp and Matt and "Coach Oakley." I pray that the Lord would comfort your family in the days to come.
Jason Lewis
April 7, 2013
Bernie and Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about your son. You and your family are in our prayers.
Gail and Chris Mcmillan
April 6, 2013
So sorry Bernie and Debbie about your son your in my prays
Kathy Sykes
April 6, 2013
Mr. & Mrs. Oakley & Matt,
I am shocked and deeply saddened by this incredible loss to your family and Tripp's friends of his past and present, which I am honored to be one of. My heart goes out to you in this, the sudden loss of Tripp. He was my buddy in the Burlington Boys Choir way back when...and one of my "little brothers" that I will not forget. He was truly a good guy, even back then, and had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile that made him a standout. Obviously, that continued throughout his later years and his adult life.
I hope you, and his fiance' can find some peace in all of this and may God be with you and lay his healing hands on you....
R.I.P. Tripp...you will be greatly missed.
Rhett Vernon
April 6, 2013
We cannot begin to understand your deep and profound loss. Please know that we are here for you anytime.
Donna Gates & Johnny Howell
April 6, 2013
Matt & family,
Keeping thoughts and prayers for you and your family close at heart.
Cindy
Cindy Hancock
April 6, 2013
Tripp!! Oh the memories I have of you and your family. Ms. Debbie, Mr. Bernard and Matt, my prayers are with you all. I will forever be grateful for Tripp and Matt for letting me borrow their parents when I needed them. I truly love you all!!
Tk
April 6, 2013
I am so sorry to hear this news. What a loss for your family and for the world. He certainly had been an active person for his short life.
Charlotte (Alex' Mom) Fitzgerald
April 6, 2013
Bernie and Deborah I can't imagine your loss and hope I never do rest assured that you are in our prayers at the Beck house.
Letcher Beck
April 6, 2013
Words means nothing now... but know you own my heart...you are not a memory, you are my life till the end.. I love you Bernard. jill
April 6, 2013
I am at a loss for words. My sympathies to all. Many prayers that each of you will find peace.
Tori Neal
April 5, 2013
What a terrible terrible loss! May he be in a better place! He was such a great guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers! !
Andrea "Andy" Simon Cason
April 5, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss Matt! I am thinking of and praying for your family! Patty Williams
Patty Williams
April 5, 2013
Matt,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss!
Anne Goins
Anne Goins
April 5, 2013
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