John Couzens "J.C." Tripp, Jr.

John Couzens “J.C.” Tripp, Jr., age 76 of Puryear, TN, died Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN.

He retired as a former supervisor at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company in Louisville, KY.  J.C. worked as a caddie when he was a very young man going on to become a PGA Golf Pro. He joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lakenheath Air Force base in England.  He was a member of the U.S. Air Force Golf Team traveling throughout Europe and Asia. He was a member of the Paris Elks Lodge and enjoyed classic cars.

J.C. was born September 7, 1941, in Louisville, KY, to the late John C. Tripp, Sr., and the late Margaret Terhune Henry.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Virginia Sawyers of Puryear, TN; one daughter, Janell (Upton) Sinclair of Knoxville, TN; three sons, Troy Tripp of Cottage Grove, TN, Jason (Robin) Tripp of New Castle, PA, and James Tripp and Janell Gearheart of Sharpsville, PA; six grandchildren, Skyler (Vicki) Sinclair, Hunter Sinclair, Mary Elena Sinclair, Brittany Tripp, Michael Tripp, and Madison Tripp; and one-great grandchild, Barrett Sinclair.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Bobbie Raspberry.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN.  The body is to be cremated.  Memorial visitation will be Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Puryear Community Center in Puryear, TN, with the memorial service to begin at 3:00 pm, with Chad Kennedy officiating.

Memorials may be made to:  Caring Hearts Fund, 1290 Kelley Drive, Paris, TN 38242.