Bernard Wayne Ripley, 63, of Ordinary, died on Nov. 14, 2014 at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital after a courageous nine-month battle with mesothelioma.
He was born in Williamsburg, Va., and grew up in Mathews County.
After graduation from Mathews High School, he completed the apprentice program at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth. He worked there as a boilermaker, mechanic, instructor, and supervisor until 1980. He was then employed at SUPSHIP Newport News until his retirement in 2008 after 38 years of service to the United States Government. While at SUPSHIP he worked as a QA Specialist, QA Supervisor, production controller, Command Quality Improvement Specialist, and Administrative Officer. He also worked as a park aide for Gloucester County Parks and Recreation at Beaverdam Park from 2009-2013.
Wayne was active in Gloucester County, serving for a time on the Gloucester Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as well as coaching and umpiring youth T-ball and youth softball. He was also a graduate of the Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula.
Although Wayne loved the New York Yankees, NASCAR, and spending time with his many friends, bowling was one of his greatest passions. He spent many hours at Village Lanes coaching and working with the Youth Bowling program for over 20 years. He was instrumental in instituting a youth bowling scholarship program there and held three levels of coaching certification. At the local level, Wayne served on numerous committees and held many positions with the Virginia Peninsula United States Bowling Congress including 3rd Vice President, and Youth Association 1st vice president, 2nd vice president, Association Director, and briefly, the Peninsula Association Manager. At the state level, he served as a director and on the state youth board. He was inducted to the Virginia State USBC Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Virginia Peninsula USBC Hall of Fame in 2013 for his meritorious service to the sport. His personal accomplishments included numerous 700 series and a perfect 300 game bowled in 2013.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father, George C. Ripley Sr., and his brother, Edward L. Ripley.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Deborah Hunley
Ripley; daughter, Suzanne Ripley; son, Steven Ripley; mother, Evelyn Kilmon; brother, George C. Ripley Jr. and wife Gail; stepbrother, William L. Wall and wife Sue.
Family members will receive relatives and friends at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, from 2-3 p.m. A brief service will be held at 3 o’clock. All are invited to attend a reception following the service.
In memory of Wayne, please make donations to your favorite charity.
Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.