Rip, age 77, of the Clem Community and Columbus, went to meet his Lord and Savior, June 19, 2022, at 11:15 a.m. at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, surrounded by his family.  What better time than Father’s Day, to meet his Heavenly Father.

Rip donated his body to University of Mississippi Medical Center.  There was a ‘Celebration of Life’ Memorial held at Phalti Baptist Church, in the Clem Community at 11 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 6.

Rip was born in Magee, to Carroll D. and Kathryn McInnis Rippy.  His father was stationed at the Mississippi Air Base in Jackson.  When Rip was four, his father was transferred back to a Texas air base, taking his family to Texas with him.  After his service was complete, Carroll Sr. settled and went to work as a Ranch Foreman, on the Dripping Springs Ranch, in Dripping Springs, Texas, where his dad’s family resided.  When Rip became old enough to ride a horse alone, his father bought him a pony, “Big Boy”, to help round up the sheep, goats and cattle with him.  It has been said of Rip “He was not born in a saddle, but he has been riding one since at least people would drive around and show off their new Hudson Car.” Whether with siblings or cousins, friends or his dad, a lot of ball was played almost daily, after chores were done.

Rip was a rough and tough child; his parents guided him with firm, yet loving hands, just like his brother and sister were.  This is the same way Rip guided his children.

Rip was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Kathryn Rippy; daughter Kelly Rippy and brother-in-law, Ben Hamby.

He is survived by his children, Cindy (Kevin Brooks), Burns, Tennessee; Charlie (Anna Kathryn) Rippy, Columbus; Kathy (George) Gregory, The Woodlands, Texas; Angie Rippy Hutchins, Guntown; Baxter (Christina) Lee, Woodland Park, Colorado and Cyndi Loper, San Diego, California; grandchildren: Benjamin (Samantha) Brooks, Tyler (Gina) Gregory, Tyler (Anna Grace) Rippy, Jacob Brooks, Olivia Gregory, Justin Mishlan, Joseph Mishlan, Miles Harper, Lisa Loper, Chase Lee, Casey Lee, Danny Lee, Heath Hutchins and Makel (Trevor) Hood; his precious great-grandchildren: Maddy Cullen, Charlee Grace, Grace Ann and Aella Fay.  He is also survived by his special friend and childhood sweetheart, Lynne Daniel, Brandon; a sister, Mary Jean Hamby, Clem; a brother, John (Sheila) Rippy, Flowood; nephews, Doug Walker, Rip Rippy, Ryan (Christian) Rippy and one great-niece, AnnaLeigh Rippy.

When the drought hit in Texas, his father moved his family back to Mississippi in 1954, but Rip would go back to stay with his aunts, uncles and cousins in Texas at every opportunity.  The family attended Phalti Baptist Church in Clem.  Rip attended Clem School until it consolidated with Prentiss, and since sports were offered there, he was happy.  He helped anyone who needed him to work, whether loading watermelons, loading and hauling hay, or going to work at Rippy Feed Store, in the wool and mohair business, or just doing day work.

Rip played football, baseball and ran track.  When he graduated, he attended Mississippi College, where he played football and studied Bible.  When he was old enough, he went into mud logging in the oil field with his dad.  Working long hours was just a part of that business; he would do that off and on until he could not work any longer.  He was then able to work his horses, when he was not working.

Buddy Steverson, a dear friend and fellow horseman, asked Rip to become a Gideon, which he did until he had a higher calling, to enter full time ministry.  He was ordained at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Prentiss to serve as Pastor.  Years later, he was called to his home church, Phalti Baptist Church, Prentiss and served there until retirement.  He studied and went to night classes at Ridgeland Branch of New Orleans Baptist Seminary.  He had been studying for years, wanting to know all he could about the Bible.  He wanted those he came in contact with to know about his Savior and follow Jesus as their personal Savior. As a Pastor he visited the home bound and hospital patients.  Also, as a Pastor, he went to several nursing homes to visit residents.  He talked with many throughout the years, planting seeds for the Lord.

He also held Cowboy Church in Prentiss.  He had almost quit showing horses as much, but then team roping, mostly with his son and grandson.  He started sorting, he moved Cowboy Church to Albert Dianne May’s arena in Silver Creek and they became fast friends, as Albert was a fellow sorter.  His highest achievement of his riding career was in 2013 in Ft. Worth, Texas where he was able to qualify through the year with enough points to ride in Ranch Sorting National Championship, where he was a Champion and won a gold and silver buckle laced with stones.

During this time, Rip also became a 4-H volunteer to teach shooting and eventually riding events for youth, both young men and ladies; this earned him the 4-H 2010 Salute to Excellence Award and de facto volunteer, the state’s highest award as a volunteer.

In the Spring, 2010 Edition of the Sounder, Dr. Susan Holder, the State 4-H director said of Rip, “He does not shine like gold nor does he sparkle like a ruby, but there is an unmistakable gleam of pride and satisfaction in his eye whenever he is around young people.  He spent years mentoring, teaching and helping them learn the necessary skills to become productive, responsible adults and contributing to society-whether as a father, grandfather, cowboy, preacher or 4-H volunteer, Rip impacted countless young men and ladies who benefited from his life experiences, firm but gentle demeanor and honest concern and well being, how to be productive and contributing adults in this society. His persona was neither brash nor boastful, but because of his leadership, they learned what it means to be a good son or daughter, the importance of humility and grace, responsibility for oneself and fellow man”

When Rip became so broken he could not ride horses, he turned his love from horses to fishing, where he could be found at daylight, fishing in son Charlie’s lake in Columbus.  He proudly showed off his catch and his love for the Lord at the seafood cookouts there.  He still told anyone who would listen about his Lord and Savior, planting seeds in anyone’s life that would listen to him.

Saulters Moore Funeral Home is in charge of this Celebration of Life.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com