William "Bill" Rowland Tripp, Jr.

William "Bill" Rowland Tripp, Jr., age 85, of Sanford, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

He was born in 1940, to the late William Rowland Tripp and Annie Janie Harrelson Tripp.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife Estelle Simmons Tripp; brother Brownie Buck Tripp and sisters Marian Mashburn, Shirley Reed, Ophelia Gogo and Lois Garten Seaman.  Bill graduated from Blackville High School in Blackville, South Carolina and attended both North Florida Junior College and Jacksonville University.  He later joined the United States Air Force where he served for five years.  Bill retired from AT&T as an electronic engineer and later the Moore County School System as an audio-visual specialist.  Bill was also a recording studio owner and broadcast executive.  He was a gifted songwriter, acclaimed author and master storyteller.  He leaves behind his legacy woven with words, music and memory.  Bill was an active member of Gulf Presbyterian Church where he served faithfully as a church elder and music director.

Bill is survived by his children Lisa Tripp and William Craig Tripp; brother Henry "George" E. Mruk; many nieces and nephews and a special friend Elsie Phillips.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Gulf Presbyterian Church with Mr. Jody McNeill officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Gulf Presbyterian Church, PO Box 206, Goldston, NC 27256.

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