William Carl Rippey

William Carl Rippey, affectionately known as “Rip”, was called home to be with the Lord on November 15, 2017. William was born on June 10, 1949 in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from Central High School, in 1967, William enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served four tours during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged and receiving five Purple Hearts. William later traveled the country as a truck driver, and went on to further his education to become a licensed plumber, contractor, and HVAC technician. He was later employed with the City of Columbus and started his own company, which he named R&R Mechanical Services. William was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Innkeepers, and the Freemasons. William was preceded in death by his parents, William “Big Bill” and Armetta “Mema” Smith, grandparents, Charles and Oretha Grear, and brothers, Wilbur Jr., John, and Earl. His memory is left to be cherished by his wife, Linda “Lamb”; daughters, Rebecca, Trina, Deborah, Kim, Shelly (Alonzo), and Kathy (Nate); sons, William, Manu (Toni), Sam (Ana), James Thomas, Randy, Jimmy, James, Andre (Jessie), Ron (Lisa), and Kelly (Tisha); sisters, Deborah, Carolyn, and Gloria; brothers, Wilbur Jack, Bryan (Rochelle), and Ryan (Eva); godsister Maxine; aunts, Nevonia Grear and Arnetta Smith; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, loved ones, other relatives and friends.