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William John Ripley "Rip," 74, of Wheeling WV, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Wheeling Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born August 4, 1949, in Wheeling WV, son of the late Earl Ripley and Marion Vogler Spears.
Bill was a retired courier for the West Virginia Department of Highways and worked 20 years at Allied Chemical in Moundsville, WV. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.
Bill was passionate about his family. He considered his wife of 51 years his wingman, and he adored his two children and 8 grandchildren.
He coached his daughter Erin's basketball team for four years at St. Michael's and is still remembered for the team's championship run thanks to his tough defensive play-calling. He also helped coach his son Brian's baseball team every year until Brian was in high school. Then, Bill loved watching his son from the stands at Linsly. In addition to coaching, he enjoyed many years being involved in the Pike Cubs Organization. To his grandchildren, he was a devoted "Pap." He made great efforts to attend every game or recital that he could.
Some of Bill's favorite past-times were Notre Dame football and the Rolling Stones. He was an ND football season ticket holder for more than 20 years and attended at least 30 Stones concerts around the country, even making the front page of the Louisville Courier thanks to the infamous Rolling Stones flag he would fly while tailgating.
He also loved family vacations to the beach. Whether headed to the Outer Banks, Hilton Head or Florida, he loved the months of anticipation and planning. He would save every seashell and shark tooth a grandchild gave to him.
Bill's humor is well-remembered, as is the way he could light up a room. He never met a stranger and was a great friend to many. His faith was unwavering til the end.
He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Ann Schubert Ripley; son, Brian (Amy) Ripley of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter, Erin Ripley of Wheeling, WV; and the apples of his eyes, his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah, Luke, Hannah, Catherine and Clare Ripley, and Emerson and Levi Shafer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1225 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003 with Father Carlos Melocoton, Jr as celebrant. Entombment will follow in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum. Per Bill's request, there will be no visitation.
Arrangements made by Kepner Funeral Homes, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV (304-232-2732).
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and the Linsly School, 60 Knox Lane, Wheeling, WV 26003.
Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com