Clarence “Eugene” Rip-ley, 97, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at his home in Onemo, Virginia. He was the son of William Cecil and Olive Blanche Ripley.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Stewart Ripley; a son, Ronald Eugene Ripley; his parents; siblings, William Cecil Ripley Jr., Adelaide R. Foster, Pearl R. Hutchinson, Oliver W. Ripley, Betty Z. White, and Diana R. Pierce.

Eugene served in the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II. Upon returning home, he worked with his father fishing and crabbing. He then went to work for the Gulf Oil Corporation as a first-mate Merchant Marine Officer. After retirement, he was a bridge tender on the Gwynn’s Island Bridge. He was a member of the American Legion Post #83 and a longtime member of Bethel Church of Mathews. He enjoyed family and friends and lastly, he loved gardening, riding his tractor, clamming and dancing. He always had vegetables to share with friends, family and neighbors.

Eugene is survived by his daughter, Valerie R. Bass (John); grandson, John Tyler R. Bass (Bre); sister-in-law, Betty Stewart; brother-in-law, John R. Pierce; several nieces and nephews and special friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Bethel Church of Mathews, Onemo. Burial will follow the service at Pear Tree Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eugene’s memory to Bethel Church of Mathews, c/o Nancy Rowe, P.O. Box 1104, Mathews, Va. 23109.