Ray Virgil Tripp Jr. passed away tragically and unexpectedly on Monday, June, 14th 2021, at his home in Knox County, MO. Ray’s last day on our beautiful Earth was filled with the company and love of his dearest friends and family, helping others and preparing to visit his children out of state for Father’s Day. His presence is greatly missed by all. Surviving are his loving son, daughter, and son-in-law, Michael Tripp and Nikolette Tripp Wallace and Matthew Wallace, and grandchildren Elowyn and Rin Wallace, all of Colorado, as well as his dear sister and niece, Helen and Melissa Sullivan, both of Kirksville, MO, who are profoundly saddened by his passing. Also surviving are his former wife, Linda Tripp, step-daughter Melody Garland and her husband Bill and grandchildren Marshall Goff, Cassandra Graham and Gabe Combs. He also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Spot. Preceding in death are his cherished parents, Dorothy and Ray Tripp, Uncle Johnnie Snelling, and his dear dog, Bristle, all of Knox County MO. He also leaves behind an array of very loved friends, extended family, as well as his family in Christ at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Kirksville, MO, where he was a member of the church and played guitar in the band.
Ray was born July 15th, 1959, and resided his entire life in Northeast Missouri, spending much of his time in Kirksville and Edina, MO; but his daughter’s home in Colorado was also like a second home to him. He loved to travel to visit his children as often as possible and graced their home many times a year with his happy smile and helping hands. He attended school in Knox County and continued to some college at the former NMSU and Moberly Community College. Ray was a lifelong musician and was most recently employed as a guitarist and bassist, one who absolutely loved performing for others and bringing music into their lives. He also worked as a bookkeeper at Ellendel and a mechanic over the years, but he was most proud of his musical accomplishments.
Ray’s life was an example of redemption to those who knew him best, as he overcame adversity and had become devoted to living a life of love, kindness, humor, peace and joy, in alignment with God’s loving spirit and in His grace. He filled his days helping others in any way he could, playing music on bass, guitar, and banjo, taking care of his very loved and spoiled dog, Spot, tending to the Tripp family farm and visiting with his treasured sister and niece, Helen and Melissa. He also loved enjoying the companionship of his best friends, chatting with them daily, studying the bible, attending Church, playing XBox, reading news and learning. He truly had never met a stranger and was known to help and comfort anyone however he could. He was a man who owned up to his mistakes and remained humble, never judging others, and used his own past to inspire compassion. He will be forever remembered for his loving heart, his curious mind, his huge infectious grin, his sense of humor, never taking himself too seriously, playing great music and shining a light of positivity into the lives of so many people. He is in God’s tender embrace now, playing music for everyone and making angels laugh.
A memorial service will be held at his church, Fellowship Baptist Church, in Kirksville, MO at 6pm on Thursday, July 1st. We will have a festive Celebration of Life at a later date.
All expressions of sympathy are welcome. Those interested in contributing to Ray’s Memorial Fund may contact Fellowship Baptist Church.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.