Randy Kenneth "Papa Bear" Tripp

Randy Kenneth Tripp, known as "Papa Bear," passed away in Fernandina Beach, Fla., on Feb. 20, 2023, at 2 p.m., at the age of 68. Randy was born in Eastman, Ga., on July 22, 1954, where he lived most of his life until he moved to Fernandina Beach with his daughter, Dawn, and grandson, Nate, in 2015. Randy was a 1972 graduate of Dodge County High School. He was a very talented furniture maker and worked for many years at Bassett Furniture in Dublin, Ga. He also held a technical degree in electronics. He was married to his loving wife, Mary Ann Tripp, for 36 years, until she passed away in April of 2018. Randy loved collecting coins and spent a lot of his time with family, enjoying his expansive vinyl record collection.
Randy was admitted into Community Hospice the day before he died of respiratory failure complicated by a history of chronic pulmonary illness. Randy led a good life and left this Earth quietly and peacefully while listening to his favorite band, The Beatles. He was a great husband, a wonderful father and was loved by so many. He will be greatly missed.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Willie (Bud) and Myrtle Tripp; spouse, Mary Ann Kitchens Forbes Tripp; siblings, Terry Tripp and Joann Tripp Sellars; niece, Nikole Tripp; and several other family members. He is survived by his step-daughter, Dawn Forbes; grandson, Nathaniel (Nate) Forbes; sister-in-law, Harriett Morris Tripp; nephew, Matthew Tripp; and several cousins and other family members.
No service is planned at this time, but condolences can be sent to the family at 1409 Beech St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 1901 Island Walk Way, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or https://www.communityhospice.com/give/.
As part of the Eternal Reefs program, Randy's ashes, combined with his wife's ashes, will be incorporated into an artificial reef formation in the ocean, providing a new habitat for fish and other sea life. Through this process, he will help to develop and support marine life forever, ensuring that future generations get to enjoy our beautiful oceans.