Mooresville — John D. Tripp Sr., age 88. His soul went to be with Jesus Friday morning, June 1, 2012. John was born at Core Point, N.C., Feb. 28, 1924. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 71st Infantry Division of the 3rd Army, WWII. He received the Bronze Star for his heroic exposure to enemy fire in deploying his platoon May 3, 1945. John earned a BS from NC State in 1948, an MRE from Southwestern Seminary in 1951, and passed orals for a PhD in Education at Auburn Univ. in 1968. He ministered at a number of Baptist churches in Tidewater Virginia and Charlotte. From the late 60’s until 1991, he was Testing and Veterans Affairs Director for Central Piedmont Community College and was first to receive the College Board “Acorn Award” for his testing innovations.

He was truly outgoing and would encourage the educational pursuits of others. He taught Sunday School at Berea Baptist until April. Swing dancing with his wife, Mary Humphrey of Kinston, was enjoyed almost all of their 62 year marriage.

He liked hats, travel, singing, bible study and fishing the Pamlico River and Lake Norman.

Born the last of five sons and three daughters of Joseph and Josephine Tripp; in his immediate family, he is survived by his wife Mary; son John D. Tripp Jr. of Winston-Salem; daughter Mary M. Hobby of Kinards, S.C.; two granddaughters: Lauren Tripp of Winston-Salem, Rachel Flippin of Lewisville, N.C.; three grandsons: Landon Hobby of Pomaria, S.C., Reid Hobby of Virginia Beach, Va., Michael Hobby of Nashville, Tenn.; a great-granddaughter, Zeta Hobby of Pomaria, S.C.; and sister Josephine Gilliland of Lillington, N.C.

John joins Grayson Hobby, grandson, of Kinards, S.C., in Heaven. Dad believed the Word, cared for all his family, relished reunions, and left a family legacy of deep thinking.

Memorials or flowers may be sent to Berea Baptist Church, 1015 River Highway, Mooresville, NC 28117.

A visitation and celebration service was held June 7  at Berea Baptist Church. Interment was held at Salisbury National Cemetery on June 11.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Tripp family.