Bay Springs

Windell "Ray" Tripp passed away peacefully at his home on February 15th, 2017, where he had been a cancer patient under Southern Care Hospice for three years.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 23 years, Kathy Sullivan Tripp, and their three children, Shawn Sullivan (Stephanie) of Bay Springs, Kerri Sullivan Drennan (Chris) of Laurel, and Michael Sullivan (Jane) of Laurel. He is also survived by his dear mother, Violet Tripp (age 96), of Orange, Texas, and his beloved brother, Gary Tripp (Debbie), also of Orange, Texas, his mother-in-law, Katie Rayner (age 88) of Bay Springs, his wife Kathy's extended family, and many nieces and nephews.

His greatest pleasure on this earth was loving his and Kathy's grandchildren, Matthew Sullivan, Jacob Sullivan, Kelli Blackwell, and Ryan Sullivan. His only wish was to be able to spend time watching Ryan grow up.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Andrew, his brothers, Elton and Andy Jr., his sister, Deloras, his beloved father-in-law, Clinton Rayner of Bay Springs, his and Kathy's son, Ricky Sullivan, and a most special and greatly missed grandson, Casey Ray Waites.

Ray joined the Army in 1965 and faithfully served his country for seven years. He served three tours of duty in the Vietnam war, where he received a Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam campaign medal. He loved his country and it's flag and what it stands for. After being honorably discharged from his service to our country, he spent the remaining years of his life hauling hazardous chemicals for various companies as an owner/operator of his own 18-wheelers, all over the United States. He loved driving and cherished his trucks.

After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved taking care of his yard and his roses. He loved spending time and coping with his pain by talking with and aggravating his friends on his CB radios.

Ray had accepted the Lord as his Savior and truly believed that he would see all his loved ones again. He wanted to thank his family and the special nurses and staff with Southern Care Hospice for taking such good care of him.

Services will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. with an visitation one hour prior to the service at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs and officiated by Bro. Eddie Brady of Laurel. He will be laid to rest in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Bay Springs.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan, Jacob Sullivan, Virgil Boleware, Cody Rayner, Dalton Drennan, and Denarius Edams. Honorary pallbearer will be Kenneth Ricketson