Charles William Ripley Sr

Greensboro, NC: Charles William Ripley, Sr., 87, died in his home Friday evening, October 11, 2013. He spent his last hours surrounded by family, who sang hymns and told stories in grateful remembrance of his life and legacy. Few people loved life and family more than Charlie.

Born in Anderson, SC, he was the fourth son of Fannie Cora Russell and Claude Henry Ripley. After high school, he entered Newberry College in the Navy V12 program, transferring to the University of North Carolina and earning a BS in Commerce in 1947. His 39 year career with Burlington Industries began in Cramerton, NC. There he met and fell in love with Carolyn Marie Ellington. They married November 26, 1950. Their growing family moved six times for his work, and he retired as Division Vice President and Controller in Greensboro.

Wherever he lived, Charlie actively engaged in church and community. A member of First Baptist Church since 1967, he found joy in serving Christ through the church. He provided leadership for numerous committees and task forces, finding as much honor in being a member of the small group that established a new congregation as in chairing the Deacons. He and Carolyn participated in mission trips to the Czech Republic, Chile, and Jordan and helped build churches in WV, SC, GA, and NC. After volunteering for two weeks at the Habitat for Humanity headquarters in GA, Charlie returned to help establish the local Habitat chapter, serving as its first treasurer. He worked with many civic and community organizations, and was a past president of Gate City Kiwanis.

As an ardent Tar Heel fan and Rams Club member, Charlie enjoyed traveling to Chapel Hill for football and basketball games, as well as to NCAA tournaments. He established scholarships in honor of his wife and children at five additional institutions of higher learning.

Charlie’s favorite place, Wrightsville Beach, became a second home where he and Carolyn extended their generous hospitality. Passers-by, whether neighbor or stranger, received a warm greeting as he relaxed in his front porch rocker. He loved food and the fellowship of sharing it with others. Fresh fruit salad became his signature dish for family gatherings and as gifts to friends. At the annual Ripley beach week, his family looked forward to his famous waffle breakfasts.

In addition to Carolyn, he is survived by children and their spouses Carol Ripley-Moffitt & Matthew of Chapel Hill, Bill Ripley & Paula of Durham, Ken Ripley & Jean of Greensboro, and Suzanne Weston & Jeff of Charlotte; grandchildren Anna Ripley-Moffitt, Rachel Ripley-Moffitt and fiancé Sean Gorman, Kenny Ripley & Angie, Chris Ripley & Stephanie, Liz Sorrell, Josh Sorrell and fiancée Courtney Endres, Cameron Ripley, Zachary Weston, and Courtney Weston; great-grandchildren Jasper Weaver, Atali Ripley, and Taj Ripley; brother Jerome Ripley & Norma, sister-in-law Marjorie Branscome & Wayne, brother-in-law John Ellington & Pat, and 21 nieces and nephews and their families.

Burial will be 12:15pm, Friday, October 18, in Westminster Gardens Cemetery, followed by a 1:30pm memorial service in the First Baptist Church sanctuary. Family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church 1000 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27403 or Greensboro Habitat for Humanity, 617-B N. Greene St., Greensboro, NC 27401.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.