Jerry Ballentine Tripp

Jerry Ballentine Tripp, 84, husband of Rita Duncan Tripp, of Easley, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Born in Easley, he was the son of the late William Weston “Mr. Bill” Tripp, Sr. and Russie Ballentine “Ms. Russie” Tripp. Jerry graduated as a member of the second graduating class of Wren High School in 1959 and went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Air Force. After his military service, he briefly worked with the FBI’s Fingerprint Division before returning home, where he and his brother, Bill, co-founded the Tripp Brothers Shell Station in Easley. He later built a distinguished career in real estate sales, development, and construction through The Jerry B. Tripp Co. and Tripp Realty, helping to establish the Powdersville area as one of the most desirable locations to live in the Upstate of South Carolina.

He was a Shriner and Past President of the Home Builders Association of Anderson. He attended Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, but he grew up going to Fairview United Methodist Church, where he became Superintendent of Sunday School.

Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and was an accomplished water skier, proudly known as the top man of the pyramid on the Callaway Gardens water ski team.

In addition to his loving wife of 18 years, Jerry is survived by sons, Will C. Tripp (Shannon) and JT Tripp (Kelley), both of Easley; stepson, Shane Cassell (Shonda) of Carolina Beach, NC; grandchildren, Zach Tripp (Abby), Seth Tripp (Mackenzie), Jake Tripp, Gracie Tripp, and Parker Cassell; and a great-grandson, Luke Tripp.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William Weston “Bill” Tripp, Jr. and Maxwell “Mac” Lee Tripp; and his sister, Rachael Gooch.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, 200 E Church Rd, Easley, SC 29642.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Powdersville Road, Easley.