Norman Tripp

Norman Lee Tripp, 85, of New Castle, Virginia, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2016, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. Norman was born May 9, 1931, in New Castle to Frank J. and Mary W. Tripp. A devoted family man, Norman is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Helen Marie Pendleton Tripp. In addition, he is survived by two sons and their spouses: N. Wayne and Joan V. Tripp and D. Michael and Karen E. Tripp. All children were dear to Norman, but especially his grandchildren and their spouses: Benjamin W. and Anne G. Tripp, Matthew P. and Megan B. Tripp, Craig M. Tripp, and Kelsey R. Tripp; and his great-granddaughter, Margaret Helen (Maggie) Tripp. Norman is also survived by two sisters and one brother: Barbara T. (Bobby) Dudding, Pauline T. Blankenship, and Maxie R. Tripp, one sister-in-law Sarah P. Tyree, and one brother-in-law, John W. Pendleton. He was preceded in death by six brothers; Lester, Calvin, Lloyd (Bud), John, Everett, Norris (Peck); and a sister, Evelyn. Norman was a diligent and hard-working person his entire life. He began working in his early teens by carrying water to workers on the Department of Highway work crews. He was an employee of Hercules Incorporated at the Radford Army Ammunitions Plant for 34 years prior to retiring in 1987, rising to the position of Shift Supervisor. He was respected and well-liked by the employees he led at the Arsenal. Norman loved his Dry Branch Farm and the home that he built there himself. He was a farmer who raised hay, beef cattle, and hogs for many years. He also worked as a painter throughout Craig County well into his 70s. Norman loved hunting and gardening until his health interfered with his ability to do both, and he loved baseball from the time he played in his youth until his passing. He also built furniture and clocks in his home workshop. He was a member of the New Castle United Methodist Church and Mountain Lodge 140 AF & AM. Norman's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses of the Third Floor East, the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and the Sixth Floor East at Lewis Gale Medical Center for their kind and caring assistance during his brief time in the hospital. A celebration of Norman's life led by Rev. Randall Blankenship will be held at Paitsel Funeral Home in New Castle, Virginia, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29. Friends are encouraged to participate in the celebration by sharing a memory of Norman. Interment will follow at Huffman Memorial Park on Virginia Route 42. Visitation will be at Paitsel Funeral Home from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to your favorite charity in Norman's memory.

Norman Tripp

May 9, 1931 - December 24, 2016