Norman Wells Tripp
August 15, 1940 ~ July 17, 2016
ROCKY MOUNT - Norman Wells Tripp, age 75, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016. Born in Lenoir County, NC on August 15, 1940, he was the son of the late James Henry Tripp, Sr. and Emily Catherine Brown Tripp and for the last 50 years, he resided in Rocky Mount. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James "Jay" Henry Tripp, Jr.
Norman served in the United States Army National Guard for 22 years and served during Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. He went on to work for UPS in 1968 and continued until his retirement after over 32 years in 2000. A man of great faith, he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church where he also took part in the Men's Bible Study Fellowship, sanctuary choir, and was a member of the inspirational singers. He also had a prison ministry and helped out with Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed rhythm and blues music, 50's Doo-Wop, and loved shagging. Norman and his wife, Frances, were inducted into the Virginia Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Myrtle Beach Hall of Fame for shagging. Norman was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.
Norman leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 53 years and dance partner, Frances M. Tripp; daughter, Anissa Adcock and husband, Chuck, of Rocky Mount. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Abigail Rene'; his brother, Dalton Tripp of Kinston; his sisters, Barbara Tripp Johnson and husband, David, of Grifton; Susan Tripp Jones and husband, Douglas, of Kinston; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. Bill Grisham officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
The family would like to say thank you for all the prayers, cards, and visits; and a special thank you to all the loving and caring staff at Nash Heart Center.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 7/20, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Service
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Thursday 7/21, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
So sorry to hear about Normans passing. Know you are in our prayers for peace and comfort praypray Bonnie Rhodes Jim Carver
Frances, Anissa and family. Al and I are truly saddened for your loss. There was so much love in this family and it was very apparent that this family loves each other and loves God without question. May you hold your memories close to your heart and may God wrap his arms around you and bring peace and comfort in the days ahead. With love, Teresa and Al Bullard
remember tripp from kinston .. rip
Prayers be with Francis & Normans family. I will miss him greatly. I will always remember his great smile, chewing gum, always a friend and the hop, skip & fly. Rest In Peace Norman. You will always be in my heart.
Frances and Family. I don’t have to tell any of you how much everyone in the shag world and I am sure elsewhere loves both of you. We will miss Norman so much and will sure miss him. Prayers and love go out to you and your family. Wanda and Geno Yow
Danny and I have known Norman and Frances for approximately 40 years thru the shag circuit, always enjoyed watching him dance, he has his own unique style. Always very nice and you would never see him when he wasn’t chewing gum. Condolences for France’s and the family.
Mr. Tripped was such a wonderful man with one of the sweetest souls I’v ever known. A giving man who always orchestrated getting all the friends on the block together for fellowship. He meant a great deal to my daddy and my family. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Frances and his entire family. God bless and keep you.
Frances & Anissa. Lee & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have been friends for so many years and we treasure the times shared. You have such a special and close family. I know that your hearts are aching. May God give you peace as you endure this difficult time. Because of your great faith, you are assured that you will one day reunite with him in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we love you. Embra & Lee Pullen
Such a wonderful man! He delivered many packages to me and was always smiling! Now he is celebrating with Jesus!!!
I met Norman in the old Atlantic Beach Pavilion during the summer of ’58. We were two of hundreds of Eastern Carolina shaggers that hung out there in those wonderful days. Norman always loved The Shag and he loved the people who did it. He continued to love it and do it well all of these years. Shag Nation is much sadder tonight. Kay and Billy Young
Frances and family, I was so sorry to learn of Norman’s passing. May the angels wrap their wings around you .
Beautiful tribute.
Lit a candle in memory of Norman Wells Tripp
I am so sorry to read of Norman’s passing. He and Frances were a couple like most people dream of and I always loved to see them on the dance floor.As a member of the class of 1961 in Kinston, and at our last high school reunion ( our 50th) I shared a dance with Norman, but always had to tell him not to do too many of his fancy steps, just so I could keep up with him..He will be missed and always had a wonderful smile on his face. Peace go with you Frances and what a lovely tribute to the both of you Gail Martin Flowers
Lit a candle in memory of Norman Wells Tripp
I met Norman and Frances in the early 1980’s and it was instant friendship. What a great man. I have wonderful memories with him and Frances. I think of him often and how easy he made me feel when around him. He will be greatly missed by me and all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this sad time……Dick Brown
Lit a candle in memory of Norman Wells Tripp
A great pictorial tribute to a wholesome and honest man. Those of us who knew Norman were blessed and we are thankful to continue our love for him through and with Frances. They were an inseparable couple on earth and will certainly reunite again in Heaven! Our prayers of comfort for Frances and the family as they carry on the memories of Norman.
Frances and family, prayers are sent for your comfort at this time of loss. You are certainly surrounded in spirit by your shag friends. Sincere condolences
First time I saw Norman and Frances dance was at the Jolly Knave, Atlantic Beach in the mid 70’s. I was so impressed with his style of dance and the fact Frances could keep up with him. Watched them dance more at Red’s Place, in Kinston, and one night I had the privilege of dancing with him. The pleasure was al mine. I served on a selection committee with Norman at Memories last Fall. He new so much about the nominees, was unbiased, and so helpful to the new members. I must say, in all the years I have known him, he has always been kind, respectful of others, smiling and a true Southern Gentleman. You will surely be missed, Norman. Ann Rouse
Francis, i am so sorry to hear, i am remembering the time when you and norman stayed at my house in New Bern. you are in my prayers. Mike Parker
My condolence to the Tripp family. I met Norman in July, 1972 when I became an employee at UPS. I met Frances two years later when I became the UPS delivery driver for Boddie Noell on Sunset Ave. A few years later I discovered Norman Tripp was an awesome dancer. He and I always embraced each other with a hug and a smile. I will miss my friend, but I believe he is dancing on the balcony of heaven. James Johnson (JJ).
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. We mourn his loss. Love and Prayers Jimmy and Cherie Guthrie
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Francis and Anissa. I remember taking a picture of you and Norman walking down the aisle after being married. May God give you comfort and peace. FredBetty Vick
I remember meeting Norman at the old skating rink at Kinston airport when wispy radio was broadcasting from there on Wed and Fri nites.I was younger than most there but I can remember watching him dance,he was wide open and good.He was an excellent shagger unfortunately I will not be able to attend the visitation and service this week,but prayers go out to the family and of course Francis and on behalf of Memories Beach and Shag Club at Atlantic Beach NC he will be missed Eddie(Crazy) Spencer and Debbie Martin and the Owners and Staff at Memories
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Frances and your family…May God give you comfort and peace….Heaven is a much brighter place and Norman has joined the great shadow shaggers that have gone before us….Norman could shag as fast as he could chew his gum….what wonderful memories he has left in the hearts of many. Terry and Danny Butler
It’s really hard to think of exactly what to say, other than you will be sorely missed by your friends and family. Family reunions and get together’s will have a space left for you. You’ve made me proud to have Tripp at the end of my name. Frances I know this leaves a big hole in your heart. They say time heals all wounds, but I doubt there is enough time to heal this until you meet him again. John Pete Tripp
So sorry to hear about Norman but oh what wonderful memories… Mickey & Sandra Weeks
The Tribute Video is lovely. Norman will be missed by so many. It was my pleasure to know him and a real treat to dance with him. Frances, you and your family are in my prayers. God bless.