Richard Lee Ripley

November 24, 1938 - July 2, 2019

Richard "Dick" Lee Ripley, 80 of Charlotte, fondly known as "Grandpa Dick" by many, died July 2, 2019 at his home. Dick was born November 24, 1938 in Charlotte to Lemuel and Marietta (Edick) Ripley. He graduated from Olivet High School, and went on to work at Minor Walton from 1962-64, A.E. Hoover 1964-1968, and then worked at General Motors until his retirement in 1998. No stranger to hard work, Dick also farmed 500 acres and had 40 dairy cows as well, in addition to a vegetable garden for his family. Dick was always prepared with a joke, as he loved to make people laugh and find the humor in every situation. In his spare time, he enjoyed cutting wood, fishing with his boys, working his farm with horses and tractors. As a youth, some of his fondest memories were mischevious times with his brothers. After retirement, he most enjoyed time spent with family, watching his children and grandchildren's accomplishments and activities, and enjoyed winters with his wife in Florida. Dick is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janice; children, Kevin (Sally) Ripley, Kenneth Ripley, Kris Ripley, and Kaylene Shumaker; 12 grandchildren;19 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Ripley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Gary Ripley; and his daughter-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley. Friends are encouraged to support Dick's family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, July 6, 2019, 10:00 AM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation is Friday, July 5, 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Dick on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.