Franklin Hiram Scudder III

Franklin "Tripper" Hiram Scudder III, 46, of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away on August 6, 2025, leaving behind a trail of laughter, stories, and a few questionable fishing tales that will live on forever. He was born on February 6, 1979, in Peoria, Illinois, to Franklin Scudder Jr. and Susan Kats.

Tripper was a one-of-a-kind, forgiving person with genuine curiosity about the lives of those he loved and an infectious smile. Always supportive and cheering on family and friends, he had a rare ability to make everyone feel seen and welcomed. Whether you knew him for five minutes or forty years, you probably heard him crack a joke, offer you a hand, or both. He had a knack for turning strangers into friends and friends into family.

A proud Navy veteran, Tripper attended Illinois State University before founding Scudder Construction, a business that reflected his hard work, integrity, and commitment to quality. He later worked as an insurance adjuster for various companies, traveling across the country and taking every chance to visit family and friends along the way.

Tripper took pride in doing things well and doing them right, but he always kept things lighthearted along the way. He loved spending time near the water, whether fishing, boating, or just sitting by the shore soaking it all in. And no one could forget his long-running rivalry with his best friend and cousin Randy.

In his final chapter, Tripper poured his heart into developing a pet pampering business, Pearl's Pampered Pets, with his fiancée April-a project that combined his love for animals and entrepreneurial spirit.

Tripper is survived by his father, Franklin Hiram Scudder Jr.; his mother and stepfather, Susan Kats-Gilfillan and Joe Gilfillan, all of Peoria Heights, Illinois. His paternal grandmother, Alberta Scudder of Peoria, Illinois. His maternal grandfather Ralph Kats of Louisville, Kentucky. His sister and brother-in-law, Aisha and Josh Smith, and brother-in-law JV Devera, all of Las Vegas, Nevada. His children, Tristin and Charlize Scudder; his infant grandson, Elias Scudder; his fiancée, April Wood, and her two sons, Christian and Cole Barrow, all of Thomasville, Georgia, along with a large extended family and many friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his cousins Hannah McNeil, Ronnie Richardson, and Zach Bokal; his uncle Ron Richardson; maternal grandmother Charlotte Kats; paternal grandfather Franklin Hiram Scudder Sr.; and grandmother, Linda Scudder.

A celebration of life will be held at the Navy Marine Club in Peoria Heights, Illinois, on September 20, 2025, from 1 pm to 5 pm. In true Tripper fashion, it won't be a somber affair - stories will be told, laughter will be loud, and a toast or two will be raised in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you donate to your favorite charity, be kind to a stranger, help a rescue animal, spend time with your family, or thank a veteran.

Tripper lived big, loved big, and left the world better than he found it. We'll carry his spirit with us always.