Vernon Kenneth Ripley Sr., 84, of Parrottsville, Tenn., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and family, on Feb. 12.
He was born June 23, 1928 in Union to Bernard Ripley of Union and Gertrude (Butler) Gowens of Florida.
Vernon enlisted and served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952, then transferred to the U.S. Air Force and served from 1953 to 1958 and was honorably discharged as a Korean Veteran.
Returning to civilian life he found his soul mate, Thelma (Mayhew) Ripley from Orange, Mass., and married Feb. 7, 1952. They were married for 60 years, five days before his passing.
He worked for the Union Creamery, Tanning Company in Camden and became self-employed as an expert carpenter. He loved fishing, hunting, trapping, and camping, and enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors with his family and friends.
In 1976 Vernon was invited by a longtime friend, Daniel Senical, from the Fessenden School of Massachusetts to serve as Site Perimeter Expert for an expedition to Liberia. This team was the first group of Westerners ever to travel the entire Liberia Lofa River. The group made a medical survey and mapping of the Lofa River. They also made the ethnic studies of the Lofa Tribe which had never seen a white man.
All who knew Vernon, from the neighborhood children to adults, whether for years or for just a long conversation, found him to be intriguing and knowledgeable. He showed respect, compassion and consideration to all and his influence will be felt for generations to come.
He was preceded in death by his son, Miles Ripley; and grandson, Buddy Ripley.
He is survived by his loving wife, Thelma Doris Ripley of Parrottsville, Tenn.; son, Vernon Kenneth Ripley Jr. of Calais; daughter, Patricia Doris Ripley of Waldoboro; brothers, Milton Ripley of Massachusetts and Richard Ripley of Colorado; sister, Geraldine Knudsen of California; grandchildren, Shelly Petrovitz, Dustin Whitmore, Paul and Pamela Ripley, Corey Ripley, Andrew and Heather Ripley, and James and Christopher Ripley; seven great-grandchildren, and another great-grandchild to be born in April.
At Vernon’s request, there will be no memorial service. A burial of his ashes for the family will take place at a later date in the spring, followed by a “Memory of Life” gathering for friends and family.
Condolences, and messages to share a memory or story with the Ripley family may be expressed by visiting www.manesfuneralhome.com.
