LEROY SAMUEL RIPPY, born Nov. 12, 1940, died Dec. 25,
2003 after a lengthy, courageous battle with rheumatoid
arthritis, heart and kidney failure. Beloved and devoted
husband, father, grandfather, friend who touched the lives
of everyone he came in contact with. Lee was born in
Bowling Green, KY. The family moved to Texas a few years
later, settling in Kerens, then Dallas and eventually in
Mesquite Lee served 2 years in the U.S. Army Military
Police in Korea. He retired as a Purchasing Mgr. in 1991
after 27 years of combined service with Southwestern Bell
& Western Electric. After retirement, he started a second,
career as a Lake Fork fishing guide. For 10 years he enjoyed
his lifelong hobby of bass fishing and got paid to do it.
Lee volunteered for many years at the Salvation Amy-Pleasant
Grove, Mesquite Boy's Club and Mesquite Peewee Football Assn.
coaching basketball and football.
At the time of his death, he is survived by his loving wife,
Shirley; his faithful companion, Duke; children: Leroy Rippy,
Jr., wife Cindy of Kaufman; Tami Hendrix, husband Shane of
Mansfield; Wesley Rippy, wife Beverly of Seagoville; Suzanne
Doty, husband Dean of Balch Springs; Chris Walters, wife
JoAnne of Crandall; grandchildren, Crystal, Chad and Chase
Rippy; Brady and Clay Grudza; Katelyn and Jake Rippy; Dillon,
Savanah, Skyler and Summer Doty; Ethan and Gracy Walters;
Amber, Lindsey, Kelsey and Colton Hendrix. He is also survived
by sister, Lafaye Handlin, husband Eddie of Balch Springs:
brothers Robert Rippy of Balch Springs and Daniel Rippy,
wife Tina of Malakoff; a large extended family and numerous
dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and
father Lon and Pearl Rippy. Internment was at the Dallas/
Fort Worth National Cemetery.