January 14, 65, La Grange
Surrounded by his family, Dixie Lee “Shade” Tripp, 65, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017 in the comfort of his home. Tripp was born July 6, 1951 in Pitt County to the late Redden Rowan Tripp and Clara Mae Smith Tripp. Tripp proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Passionate about cars his entire life, Tripp was an old school shade tree mechanic who owned and operated Tripp Auto Service in La Grange. Tripp loved old hot rod cars, and nothing was better to him than the sound of a motor in perfect tune. Tripp loved the looks and sound of a ‘55 Chevy. Tripp found great pleasure in the simple things of life. He enjoyed drag racing, pier fishing, flea markets and Carolina Classic Cruiser Car Shows.
A service to celebrate and honor Tripp’s life will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 7 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Turlington officiating. Committal services will be held at Eastern Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery at a time to be announced.
Tripp is survived by his wife of twenty years, Patty Ellis “Sweet Pea” Tripp; three children, Geneva Tripp Colie, William Lee Tripp and wife, Betsy, and Richard Earl Tripp and wife, Amy; two step-daughters, Michelle Ellis and Kim Moreno; four brothers, Ralph Tripp, Robbie Tripp, Billy Tripp and Pat Tripp; two sisters, Joyce Andrews and Judy Nelson; twelve grandchildren, Brittany, Kristen, Hunter, Lucas, Wayne, Daniel, Preston, Zoie, Jayden, Teja, Junior and Diamond.
Tripp’s family will receive friends and family Tuesday following the service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.