Minister Kenneth R. Rippy passed on July 14, 2025.

Funeral service will be held Monday, July 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Temple of Refuge, 724 S. Center Street, Hickory, North Carolina 28602. Visitation will be held at 12:00 pm.

Kenneth R. Rippy was born on May 15, 1948, in Cleveland County, North Carolina. On Friday, July 14, 2025, he peacefully departed this life and entered the eternal embrace of his Savior.

He was the beloved son of the late Deacon James Rippy and Pastor Lillie Rippy. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: James Rippy Jr., Eugene Rippy, Bill Rippy, and Pastor Bobby Rippy. Kenneth married Mary Frances Hillman Rippy in 1968. Their union was blessed with three children: Jeffrey Scott Rippy (Hickory, NC), Cressaundra Rippy (Charlotte, NC), and Dennice Robertson (Joseph) of Greensboro, NC. He was also the proud father of Monique Rippy (Georgia), who added a meaningful chapter to his journey and was always loved as his own. Kenneth cherished all of his children and was a devoted grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth's walk with God began in his early twenties when he gave his life to Christ. He faithfully served for many years at the Church of God in Christ Jesus. Life, as it does for many, brought detours-some of his own making-but even during seasons of distance, God's hand remained on him. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, it's hard to depart from what you've been taught. Kenneth eventually returned to his faith with greater strength and deeper wisdom.

He served as a Deacon at Greater Christ Temple under the guidance of his mother and brother, where his faith and leadership were revitalized. Later, after experiencing significant vision loss, Kenneth relocated to Winston-Salem and began working at Industries of the Blind, a place where he found purpose and dignity through service and hard work. He never allowed his lack of sight to hinder is his ministry, he simply adopted a new set of eyes through his faithful wife. With every assignment she was always by his side, and this only strengthened their love for each other.

In 2013, Kenneth felt a new calling and joined his daughter and son-in-law in founding Exodus Fellowship Church. He served tirelessly and joyfully-whether as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Trustee, or simply as the man who would do whatever needed to be done for the glory of God. His presence was steady. He rarely missed a Bible study, a Men's Choir rehearsal, or an opportunity to testify about the goodness of the Lord.

Kenneth wasn't just a churchman-he was a builder in every sense of the word. A deeply industrious man, he could fix, assemble, carve, or restore just about anything. He approached both challenges and opportunities with creativity and grit. Whether it was a broken appliance, a new idea, or a ministry project, Kenneth threw himself into the work with skilled hands and a hopeful heart.

To his nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family, he was a source of wisdom, humility, and practical advice-always offered with that unforgettable million-dollar smile. His testimony-how God changed and shaped his life-was one of his greatest tools for ministry. Kenneth never claimed perfection, but he bore witness to the power of redemption and growth. His life was a testimony to God's grace, a reminder that it's not how you start, but how you finish.

As Matthew 19:26 declares: "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Kenneth R. Rippy lived those words through trial and triumph, detour and return, failure and faith. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and hard work. His greatest desire was that his children and grandchildren would continue the journey he began-loving God, serving others, and building something meaningful with their lives.