John Edwin Ripley

KNOXVILLE - John Edwin Ripley passed away Friday one day before his 88th birthday.

He was born in Greene County, where his ancestors settled in the late 1700s.

He went to Doak High School where he was class valedictorian and captain of the basketball team. He attended the University of Tennessee where he met Mary Jane, "that cute little red-head," who became his wife of 61 years.

While at UT, he received the call to ministry and transferred to Emory and Henry College, where he served as a circuit pastor in rural Virginia as he completed his bachelor's degree. He then attended Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he received his Master of Divinity degree; in 1996 he was awarded the Candler Clergy Harry Denman Award. John served many churches in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church over his tenure. He began at Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church, Bluff City, and then moved to First Broad Street Methodist Church, Kingsport, as an associate. John then went to Trinity United Methodist Church, Knoxville, where he was a senior pastor. After his time at Trinity, he moved to Chattanooga where he served at St. Luke United Methodist Church and Brainerd United Methodist Church. Following Brainerd, John served at First United Methodist Church Oak Ridge and then transitioned to District Superintendent of the Knoxville and Chattanooga districts respectively. He finished his ministry at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, Johnson City, close to where he began. John served his community with love and compassion.

He and Mary Jane marched in Washington, DC, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and supported homeless and youth ministries in Chattanooga. John went on numerous mission trips, often returning without a suitcase because he gave everything he had away.

In retirement, John and Mary Jane moved to Knoxville where he developed many hobbies. He became a certified Master Gardener and loved wildflowers and gardening. He volunteered as gardener and groundskeeper at Sequoyah Elementary school where his grandchildren attended. John also volunteered each week at the Emerald Youth Foundation, tutoring young children. He taught Sunday school at Church Street United Methodist Church. In addition, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and several other organizations. He became a beekeeper with his friend Pete Rowlett on Richard Biggs's farm in Hardin Valley.

He and Mary Jane also traveled extensively. John's most cherished role, however, was granddaddy. He loved his grandchildren and spent many hours with them. John was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A true disciple of Christ, he was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Mary Jane; and his brothers: Kyle and Danny.

He is survived by his two children: Valeta (Rik) Norris and Kirk (Sol); and two grandchildren: Catherine (Kevin) Windorf and Will.

A memorial service will be Jan. 2, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Church Street United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR); or Church Street UMC, 900 Henley St. Knoxville, TN 37902.

Condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.