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James Rippy Obituary
James Fred Rippy, III departed this life on Monday, February 8, 2010. Fred was born in Wilmington, NC, on May 12, 1948 to Mr. and Mrs. James Fred Rippy, Jr. He graduated from New Hanover High School and attended Wilmington College, later UNC-W as a history major. Fred was President of Rippy Automotive having worked there for 41 years.
He was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, having taught Sunday School, served as Youth Advisor, Chalice Bearer, Stephen Minister, and Senior Warden of the Vestry. He served on the Board and Finance Committee of Trinity Center. He attended many youth events and mission trips. Fred was a past member of the Wilmington Rotary Club and was honored to be a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the boards of RBC Bank and Child Advocacy. He joyfully supported the services and programs of the Children's Home Society of NC and its Foundation.
Fred was predeceased by his father, J. Fred Rippy, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Marion Andersen Rippy; his wife of 40 years, Jane Metts Rippy; a son, James Fred Rippy, IV, a daughter, Louise Walters Rippy and friend, William Jared Lane; a sister, Joyce Rippy Matthews and husband, Dan; a brother, Richard Allen Rippy and wife Jodie; a mother-in-law, Mrs. Edwin Anderson Metts, Jr.; a sister-in-law, Anne Metts Smith and husband Andrew; two brothers-in-law, Lyle Donnell Hedman, Kent Sheldon Hedman and wife Roz; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 12, at 11:00 am at St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington, followed by burial in the St Francis Garden.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Fred's memory to St. James Parish, 25 S.Third St, Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the Children's Home Society of NC, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
A Market Street Chapel Service
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Rippy
Helen Tienken
March 3, 2010
I have nothing but fond memories of working with Freddie since he started at Coastal Motors.
Bob Nicholson
March 1, 2010
It is with great sorrow that I heard of Fred's passing. Fred, Allen, my sister Sue and I and many friends grew up togeather at WB in the 60's. Fred was such a wonderful / kind person...one of the nices guys from my childhood memories. On behalf of my sister and I, my condolences to the Rippy family.
Carolyn Tidler Robertson
February 19, 2010
To the Rippy and Metts Family,
I have known the Rippy and Metts family for almost my entire life. Fred was a true friend to everyone who met him. I was deeply saddened to hear about his passing last week. I apologize that we had to leave town 2/10/10 and was unable to respond until today. I know these times have been difficult and my husband, Jesse, and I have kept you in our prayers since we first heard about Fred. We will miss him. God bless your families.
Ed and Jo Pickett
February 19, 2010
Our prayers are with you all.
February 17, 2010
Dear Jane,
Please know how sorry we are for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Sherry Bergen, Franklin, TN
Harriet Rieman
February 17, 2010
Dear Jane,
The last time Garland and I saw you, you were busy painting some of your ceramics at Paint'N Play. Although we have not attended St. James for some time, I remember how much Garland enjoyed having you as a Sunday school teacher. I honestly can't remember if the first time I met you and Fred was at a Trinity retreat weekend when Fletch was still alive, but I remember the both of you being so friendly, gracious, fun loving and cheerful.
I am deeply saddened by Fred's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May God bless you and your family.
Harriet and Garland Rieman
Martha Hales
February 14, 2010
Jane, I was in BSF with you in the 80's. You have been on my heart all week since I heard of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Although I do not know you as a personal friend, you are my sister in Christ and I will continue to lift you up in prayer. Love, Martha Hales
Jim Sullivan
February 14, 2010
To the Rippy family go all our thoughts and prayers in this moment of sorrow.I will always remember Fred in the C J 's at school and surfing with him back in the 60'S . From the Sullivan family to his family our deepest condolenses.
Matt Wrenn
February 12, 2010
There aren't enough words one can say
To make grief go away
You have to live for each day
We are taught to keep our faith and pray
We ask why? We don't have the answer
All we can ask is for you to please be with him, Sir
Purgatory is a cleansing place
Where one can receive grace
For those who may have backslid or gone astray
A place for all of us to show Jesus, just how much
We want to be with Him in Heaven some day
For how Fred served Jesus his family and others while on earth each and everyday
He will find this glorious place
Love, Matt Wrenn and Family
Charlie Roethlinger
February 12, 2010
Jane and Family,
It is with tremendous sadness that I visit with you through this medium. I can say with no doubt that Fred is with the Father of all things good and that he is smiling at us now. Let us all remember the wonderful son, brother, nephew, husband, father, uncle, friend, church worker and child of God that was Fred the third! I am blessed for having known him.
Laurence Bergman
February 12, 2010
On behalf of the Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Rippy family and the close connection we feel with you as an organization.
Sophia Phelps
February 12, 2010
Jane and Family,
I have hesitated to express my sympathy to you, not because I do not love you or do not care, but because it is so difficult to think of your loss. I know that each of us experiences sorrow and loss in a different way, but I believe that God is the greatest Guide and that He will provide each of you with the peace and comfort that you will not find elsewhere. Keep Him close to your heart.
I am so proud to have known Fred. I considered him to be a true "Southern Gentleman." I know that he loved his Lord,and especially his family. It was my unique privilege to have shared a small part in what I know was one of the happiest experiences in your family life. In my home hangs a painting that is in your home as well. It was just right for a nursery, Sallie Middleton's "Young Rabbits in Clover". Every time I look at that painting, I think of the Fred Rippy family; so in a way, you're always with me as Fred will always be with you in your memories.
Hopefully, I can get to Wilmington, and we can spend some time together very soon. Until then, know that my prayers and my love surround you. If I can be of help to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Blessings, Sophia
Swanna Saltiel
February 12, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Happy to read about the wonderful work Fred has done in his life. Depression is a very hard task-master. Fred must have fought well considering all he did for others. I hope the family can also find peace.
Missy Banks
February 12, 2010
Thinking back about Fred makes you smile. He is probably one of the nicest people I have ever known. There are some people that have been part of our lives that leave an impact on us. Fred is one of those people. He was such a good guy and was so gracious and kind to children and others around him. My condolences to Jane and the Rippy family. Even though Fred is not with us, he will never be forgotten. Pat Bethea (Missy)
David Donnell
February 12, 2010
It is with great sorrow that I heard of Fred's passing. He will forever be in my heart as a great loving friend and one with whom I shared many wonderful remembrances. My dearest heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all in his family, friends and loved ones.
Joseph "Skipper" Funderburg
February 12, 2010
We cherish the growing up days when Fred, Allen, myself and crew surfed the billows on Old Wrightsville. Now Fred's at rest on the heavenly shore, his life's storms are passed forevermore. And we shall survive, as our faith rescues us and our planks float us, when the breakers roar and the reef is near.
The Fergus - Funderburg Families are deeply saddened by the loss of your loved one. Protect those in whose love we live and those who are dear to us. May peace and comfort be with you.
Dr. Jacki London
February 12, 2010
Ms. Marion Rippy, my prayers go out to you and your family through this time of sorrow. Remember, 'he's not dead he's just asleep, when Gabriel blows his trumpet the dead in Christ shall rise.' God Bless you.
Glenn McIntosh
February 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go to the Rippy family in this time of loss. My oldest son, Ryan, went to school with Fred's son and I personally know Allan. Although this is a time of loss for the family, it is also a time of celebration for the life that he led and the contributions that he made to the community and his family. May peace and comfort be with you.
Rick and Ericka Roethlinger
February 11, 2010
Our prayers are with your family. Rest your heavy burden in Jesus. God Bless you all.
Ronny Bennett
February 11, 2010
Becky Lyerly Bennett and Ronny Bennett went to High School with Fred and Allen. My God grant the family peace and patience. God Bless you all.
Ronny and Becky
Courtney Dane
February 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Cheek
February 11, 2010
My sympathy to Jane and his family. It has been a very long time since I saw him, but I have vivid memories of our childhood. May God grant him peace and rest.
Jane Harrison
February 11, 2010
The Rippy boys Fred, Allen and Fred,Jr. will like family to me when I worked with them in the movie car business. I am so sorry to hear about Fred. My prayers and thoughts go out to the whole family. I have one memory that will stay with me. I gave Fred a dollar bill in an envelope and got him to take it with him to Vegas. He was going to a convention. He brought me back 250.00! Only thing I ever won. God be with all of you. Jane Harrison.
Louis Cohen
February 11, 2010
My condolences to all his loved ones! Fred and I grew up together attending school and were neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Rebecca Stauffer
February 11, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. The Stauffer family sends our love to your family.
Jimmy Davis
February 11, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Rippy family in the loss of their loved one. Fred Rippy was a sincere gentleman in every aspect of his being. God bless him and his family always.
Reba Decker
February 11, 2010
My family and I would like to express our sincere condolenses to the Rippy family. Our families have been connected one way or the other for a lot of years. Reba Decker and Family
Tricia Merrell
February 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to your family during this difficult time. Some of us were fortunate to share fond memories with Fred and Jane at the Cadillac Dealers of the South and other Dealer meetings- Fred will be missed by the entire Dealer Network. God Bless, From Tricia Black Merrell and on behalf of the Black Family and The Bill Black Chevrolet Cadillac Team, Greensboro, NC
Carole Fine
February 11, 2010
Sending love and prayers to the entire Rippy Family, especially Jane. I am grateful for my friendship with Fred since elementary school. My thoughts and condolenses are with you all. With love,
pat dane
February 11, 2010
My wife and our kids and I offer our sympathy and condolenses to Fred's family.
Pat & Marie Dane
Courtney Dane
Matt Dane
Ashleigh Dane
February 11, 2010
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Fred was a kind and generous
person to all of us! We will always cherish all the times my daughter spent with the Rippys. We expres our condolences to the entire Rippy
Family .
Love
Stan,Sherry,and Micah Tootoo
Easter Tootoo Limback
February 11, 2010
Thinking and praying for the entire Rippy Family! Find strength in your faith. God will bring you peace & comfort!
Warmest Regards,
Easter Tootoo Limback
steve gilmore
February 11, 2010
I am stunned.What a loss to all of the family and friends.God be with the family during this tough time.
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