John Ripley

John Earl Ripley, 79, of Little Rock, Arkansas died peacefully on December 1, 2018, with his family by his side. He was born on November 14, 1939, to Lee Ripley and Harriet Blundell Ripley.

A devoted Razorback fan, John graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1961. He served as the Vice-President of Sales for Betz Laboratories until his retirement in 1991. Besides watching his Razorbacks, John enjoyed playing the piano, going to the horse races, and playing bridge and poker. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, the SEF Investment Club, Little Rock Meet & Greet, and a former member of Pleasant Valley Country Club. He also served as a long-time volunteer at Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, William Ripley, and his sister, Martha Ripley Wolfe. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mickey; four children – Bret Ripley (Jessica), Rene’ Thompson (Jim), Kelly DeVille (Brian), and Laura Ripley; eleven grandchildren – Andrew, Joey, Greg, Caroline, Luke, and Elizabeth DeVille; Cody Thompson; Nick and Liam Gerard; and Rebecca and John Ripley; and three great grandchildren – Michael, Raphael, and Gabriella DeVille.

A vigil celebrating John’s life will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, with a rosary service to follow. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, also at Christ the King Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be sent to Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, 1601 Marshall St., Little Rock, AR 72216, Phone: (501) 372-4388 or www.lrhelpinghand.com .