Gary "Mole" Alonza Tripp

Gary was born to James and Mollie Tripp on February 10, 1969 in Lenoir County. He grew up in the Clark's and Jasper communities. Gary attended Jasper Elementary School, West Craven Middle School, as well as West Craven High School. Although Gary didn't graduate from High School he later obtained his GED.

Gary had a love of animals, especially dogs. He meet John Weller and began working with John training dogs especially Labs. That is how he came to obtain his four legged best friend "Abe".

After a few years of training dogs Gary decided on a new career path. So he enrolled in Forsyth Barber College in Winston Salem, NC. After graduation he went to work at a couple different barber shops in between Cherry Point and Kinston.

Gary later joined the National Guard in 2004. He served active duty in Iowa, South Dakota as well as Yuma, Arizona. After receiving a medical discharge, Gary joined the civilian life and obtained a job protecting our borders with the U.S. Border Patrol. He also worked as a Mechanic on heavy equipment, and on the surveillance side of things.

Gary soon realized that not only did he want to but needed to be closer to his family, so he initiated his transfer back to North Carolina. Gary soon secured himself a job in Logistics with Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC and headed back home.

Gary is survived by his loving and supportive parents James and Mollie Tripp; sister, Connie Lynn Tripp of the home, Patricia Tripp Antwine of New Bern, NC; brother, Albert Tripp (Sara) of Raleigh, NC. His son, Jacob Tripp (Kaylan) of Arapahoe, NC; daughter, Susanna Tripp of Cove City, NC; as well as two beautiful granddaughters River Rayne Tripp and Winter Mae Tripp both of Arapahoe and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues that will miss him.

A visitation will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, April 23, 2023, with a service following at 3:00 pm Clark's United Methodist Church, followed by a Graveside at Greenleaf Memorial Park.

Please know that flowers are appreciated and can be sent or delivered straight to Clarks United Methodist Church, 106 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562. However donations can be sent to James and Mollie Tripp at P.O. Box 14401, New Bern, NC 28561 to help with expenses.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Tripp family.