Donald Ray Ripley, a native of Sulphur, was born Dec. 15, 1949, in Midland, La., and passed away on April 18, 2022, at the age of 72. He attended Midland High School and Lake Charles High School. While in school he was on the football and basketball team. He went on to attend McNeese State University to become a History Major and attended Sowela Community College for Instrumentation. He was also the business owner for Ripley’s Tree Service. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, shrimping, playing poker, dancing, and cooking, but most of all he enjoyed his family.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Sue Ripley; children, Kisha Sonnier (Michael Vallery), Sabrina White, Angela Nazir (Qaiser), Christopher Ripley (Madison), Joseph Ripley (Jennifer); 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way; and siblings, Mary Ellen Ripley, Toni Doucet, and Charles Ripley.
He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Lee Ripley; grandparents, Albert and Elvina Rome; mother, Myrline Marie Guidry; father, Harry Henry Ripley; stepfather, Aclan Guidry; and sister, Judy Ann Guillory.
Family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W Fourth Street, DeQuincy, LA 70633. Another visitation will be held 1 – 2 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Bible Baptist Church, 311 2nd Street, DeQuincy, LA 70633. The Rev. Jered Thomas and the Rev. Steve Taylor will be officiating.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W Fourth Street, DeQuincy, La.