George Ripley

George N. Ripley PORTSMOUTH - George Norman "Rip" Ripley, 89, of King Street in Westhaven passed away July 1, 2011. Born in Portsmouth, he was the son of the late Estelle and Vernon Ripley Sr. He was predeceased by his wife, Leona Fay "Peggy" Ripley; two sisters, Anne Kitts and Margaret Blanks; and three brothers, Vernon Jr., Herbert and Robert. Norman was a welder in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard; worked for 20 years in private security for Merchant Police Systems, and 20 years with ABC Board, Commonwealth of Virginia. Upon retirement, "Rip" became an icon at Sonny's Coin & Guns. Norman was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police; the former Midday Masonic Lodge No. 132 which is now Tidal Wave Masonic Lodge No. 273, the Khedive Shrine Center and Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies. On June 10, 2009 he was honored on his 50th anniversary in Masonry. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sandra Owens and Norma Davis and her husband Jimmy; three grandchildren, Chad Owens, Tracie Johnson and Natalie Barton; three great-grandchildren, Luke and Lilly Johnson and Noah Barton; and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Z. Zev, Dr. M. Reddy, the staff and residents of Emily Green Shores and Gentiva Home Health. A funeral will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. Tom Potter. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Renovation Fund, Emily Green Shores, 500 Westmoreland Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23707. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.