Celebrating the life of
Michael Gene Rippey
December 03, 1938 - January 21, 2017
Michael Gene Rippey
Savannah- Michael “Mike” Gene Rippey, 78, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Hospice House Savannah after a long battle with cancer. He was born December 3, 1938 in Hays, Kansas to Estella and Ellis Rippey. He graduated from Wichita State University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked with Cessna Aircraft, Pawnee Division in Wichita, Kansas from 1968 to 1974. He then became the Ag-Cat Engineer Manager for Gruman American Aviation Corporation in Elmira, New York until he moved to Savannah in 1980 to work for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. While at Gulfstream, Mike was the Project Engineering Manager on several projects including the GIV development, he was the Powerplant and ECS Product Integration Team Leader for GV development and he later became the Director of Powerplant and ECS Engineering. He retired from Gulfstream in 2000.
After retirement Mike became an avid benchrest shooter and competed in several matches in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. He was an active member of the International Benchrest Shooters Association, the Middle Georgia Gun Owner’s Association Twin Oak Range and the Ashe County Wildlife Club. Mike was a member of the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Sonya Shumate Rippey. Surviving are his son, Randy Rippey of Frisco, TX; daughter Susan Rippey of Columbia, MO; step-daughter Laurie Allen (Gary) of Savannah, GA; grandchildren Makayla Rippey, Claire Allen, Matthew Shumate and Tyler Shumate; sisters Sandy Murillo of Chandler, AZ and Trudy Rigolizzo (John) of Havertown, PA.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 5:00-6:00 at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel with the funeral service following at 6:00.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah by visiting www.hospicesavannah.org/Give, or to the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church at 412 Parkersburg Rd., Savannah, GA 31406.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Laurie, I am so very sorry about the loss of your stepdaddy. He loved you so much and he was always so very sweet! My heart breaks for you and your family.
- Marta, Savannah, Ga
Randy, I am sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Kathy DeYoung
- Kathy DeYoung Ryan, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences in this time of loss, and be assured of my prayers. -Eric Filmer
- Eric Filmer, Kathleen, GA
Laurie, Gary and Claire, we are so sorry to hear that Mike passed away. We will always remember him for the sweet man he was and how wonderful he was to Sonya. With deepest sympathy, Kitty and Kipp
- , ,
I met Mike at an IBS shoot several years ago. I was a rookie and Mike offered some much needed advice. I was always impressed by his attitude, his gentlemanly way, and his big, honest smile. He set a mighty fine example and I know he will be missed.
- E T Weaver, Past President Ashe County Wildlife Club, Jefferson, NC
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My condolences to the family. Mike was a great competitor and friend.
- Wayne France, Burke, VA
Laurie and family, So sorry to hear this. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Larry and Susan Williams, Green Cove Springs , Fl
Mike was one of the kindest persons I ever met in my 36 years with Grumman/Gulfstream. A very capable engineer with a calm demeanor. I am sorry for the family's loss. His legacy will remain.
- David Trucksis, Lawrenceville , GA
My condolences to all the family in this time of grief. I shot with Mike for several years and found him to be a gentleman every time. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
- James parham, Leicester , Nc
My condolences to the Rippey Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at Revelation 21:3,4 [God promise to wipe out death, tears and sorrow]. May fond memories linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days ahead.
- Henry, Lawtemceville, GA
Laurie, I am so very sorry about the loss of your stepdaddy. He loved you so much and he was always so very sweet! My heart breaks for you and your family.
- Marta, Savannah, Ga
Randy, I am sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Kathy DeYoung
- Kathy DeYoung Ryan, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences in this time of loss, and be assured of my prayers. -Eric Filmer
- Eric Filmer, Kathleen, GA
Laurie, Gary and Claire, we are so sorry to hear that Mike passed away. We will always remember him for the sweet man he was and how wonderful he was to Sonya. With deepest sympathy, Kitty and Kipp
- , ,
I met Mike at an IBS shoot several years ago. I was a rookie and Mike offered some much needed advice. I was always impressed by his attitude, his gentlemanly way, and his big, honest smile. He set a mighty fine example and I know he will be missed.
- E T Weaver, Past President Ashe County Wildlife Club, Jefferson, NC
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My condolences to the family. Mike was a great competitor and friend.
- Wayne France, Burke, VA
Laurie and family, So sorry to hear this. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Larry and Susan Williams, Green Cove Springs , Fl
Mike was one of the kindest persons I ever met in my 36 years with Grumman/Gulfstream. A very capable engineer with a calm demeanor. I am sorry for the family's loss. His legacy will remain.
- David Trucksis, Lawrenceville , GA
My condolences to all the family in this time of grief. I shot with Mike for several years and found him to be a gentleman every time. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
- James parham, Leicester , Nc
My condolences to the Rippey Family on the passing of your loved one. May Jehovah God grant you his peace while you await his promise at Revelation 21:3,4 [God promise to wipe out death, tears and sorrow]. May fond memories linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days ahead.
- Henry, Lawtemceville, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
