Reverend Orville Howard Ripley, Junior died peacefully October 31,2013 in Ellijay after living a full and giving life.A memorial service is being held at 3:00pm Monday, November 4th at the First United Methodist Church Ellijay. The family will greet visitors at the church at 2:30, with a small reception immediately following the service.

“Rip” is survived by his wife, Ruth, whom he first spotted riding her bike back and forth past his house trying to get his attention. She succeeded, and they have been married for seventy-two beautiful years. Rip and Ruth had five children together: Howard, Sandra, Brenda, Patricia and Wesley, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom loved and adored him and were always told, “What do you know for sure? Your grandpa loves you.” He has left all of us with his unique Ripley trait, the ability for lengthy story telling.

After becoming a naturalized citizen at the age of 22 Rip went on to become a proud World War II veteran serving with the United States Coast Guard. He enjoyed an active life, both professionally and personally, as a master craftsman, an outdoorsman, expert horseman, pilot, hunter and fisherman. Rip received his Masters in Divinity from Duke University and faithfully served as a United Methodist Minister in the Florida Conference for over 50 years.

His life and warmth touched many and he will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, Florida 32725 or the United Methodist Committee on Relief PO Box 9068 New York, NY 10087.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.