Caroll Nelson Ripley

Mr. Caroll Nelson Ripley, 82, of Germantown, Maryland was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 24, 2025, following a long struggle with cancer.  His strong faith carried him and his family through his illness.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 62 years, Bonnie (Tosten) Ripley; his son, Jeff; his granddaughter, Brooke; his brothers, Phil and Kent (Kathie) Ripley; his sister, Cheryl Ripley Ward; his sister-in-law, Ginger Pritchard (Glenn); and many nieces who loved him very much.  

Born on June 20, 1942, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Claiborne and Lucille Ripley, both deceased.

Caroll was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, where he also attended Sunday School and enjoyed the once a month Men’s breakfast.  He was truly a Man of God, loving all people and loving life.  “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith.  Hence forth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but into all them also that love his appearing.”  Timothy 4:7-8 

He graduated from Western High School in D.C. in 1961.  He attended computer school which launched him into his first job at Bureau of Public Roads.  He later worked at IBM and later became a partner in RP Group in Virginia.  He then went back to work at Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, until he retired in 2022. 

Caroll had many hobbies.  His love of Chrysler vintage cars was beyond reason.  He looked forward to the Chrysler 300 Club rallies where we met so many wonderful friends.  He collected model trains all of his life, and enjoyed chasing the “real” trains many weekends with his friends, taking pictures and having a grand time.  He belonged to the Four County Society of Model Engineers, where they hosted a Christmas layout for the public.  He rode his Panhead (motorcycle) as long as he could and handed it off to a best friend for safe keeping.  Many friendships were formed with his biker friends with many get togethers over the years.

Caroll was so appreciative of the people giving him his care.  He always thanked everyone and often held their hands, looked into their eyes and said “Thank you for being here.”  He didn’t miss one person, even the lady who took out the trash.  He was a kind gentleman and knew how to treat people.  He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 119 N. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Appalachian Project, Donation Processing Center, P. O. Box 758621, Topeka, KS 66675-8621.

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