Edith R. Tripp - February 12, 1945 – February 17, 2022

Edith Tripp, age 77, of Gallatin, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Edith was born February 12, 1945, in Easley, SC.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, LaVerne Tripp; son, Terry Tripp (Kim); daughter-in-law, Shanda Tripp; grandchildren, Rose Lewis (Anthony), Madison Moses (Jarod), Lacey Neustaedter (Nic), Hannah Tripp, Lawson Tripp, and Isabella Tripp; great-grandchildren, Marley Lewis, Pierson Lewis, Eden Neustaedter, and Shiloh Neustaedter; three sisters, Earlene Tompkins, Mary Sloan, and Narvis Hart. She is also survived by numerous relatives, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

She is preceded in death by her son, Pastor Robb Tripp; parents, Clayton Rhodes and Maudia (Hinton) Crane; and sister, Janice McQueen.

Mrs. Tripp served alongside her husband, LaVerne in the ministry for 47 years, reaching countless souls for Christ and encouraging people that no one ever cared for them like Jesus. LaVerne and Edith served as hosts on the Trinity Broadcasting Network for 25 plus years as well as a weekly program where she shared her delight for cooking through her cooking segments. Edith loved people, if she thought you needed it, she would give you her own shirt off of her back. If you were to ask her who her favorite singer was, her response would be LaVerne Tripp (with a whisper of Tom Jones closely following). She cherished her family, but above all, she loved the Lord with all of her heart.

A visitation for Edith will be held Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Three Oaks Church, 502 Douglas Bend Rd., Gallatin, TN 37066, followed by a celebration of life service at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Goodlettsville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Laverne Tripp Ministries – designated for the children in India (www.lavernetripp.com).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnFuneral-Goodlettsville.com for the family.

Bill Crowe 10/9/1935 - 4/13/2021

After suffering from poor health the last several years, including broken hips and a stroke, Bill Crowe gained his heavenly wings on April 13, 2021. 

Graveside services were held on Friday, April 16th at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Roebuck, SC. 

What Sins Are You Talking About?

A popular request during Jerry Trammell's time with The Blue Ridge Quartet was the song "What Sins Are You Talking About?" Although it was never recorded by the group, I had my cassette recorder along with me on January 20, 1980, for the Blue Ridge show in Gouglersville, PA. Through the magic of YouTube and video editing, I can share with you a bit of the excitement Jerry provided that evening.

Ole' Truck

Last week, Dave Compton commented on a post in "We Love Our Southern Gospel History", about a song the Blue Ridge recorded in the 1970's called "Ole' Truck". I told him that I sure did, because my grandfather drove a truck for Nabisco for over 30 years. accident-free. He was two years away from retirement when he heard LaVerne sing this song the first time, so it quickly became his favorite! Thinking back on these memories, I decided to put together a video for Ole' Truck, and share it with you. 

Hawaii

I can still hear Larry Orr playing Hawaiian music on the steel guitar while Burl announced the trip Kenny Gates describes -

"In 1975, we hosted our first Hawaiian tour with 105 of our favorite fans. A great time was had by all." Oh how I wish my 9 year old self could have gone! Those who went along will always have priceless memories. George Colley (left, back row) reminisced -  "Hilton Hawaiian Village invaded by leisure suits. Can you say polyester?"

Christmas With The Blue Ridge

If you are looking to add any Christmas music to your collection this year, why not bring home an old friend, a timeless friend, Christmas music that will always be timeless, classic, and relevant

Yes, of course I am talking about the

Blue Ridge Quartet Christmas albums, 

which are available on a single CD, along with LaVerne Tripp's 1975 Christmas album, for only $10.00, which includes first class shipping, right to your door in time to sing along with all of your Christmas favorites! Order yours today!

Rise Again

Rise Again is an inspirational song about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and was written by Dallas Holm. His version of the song won the Dove award for Song Of The Year in 1977. 

The Blue Ridge Quartet released their version, with Bill Crowe singing the lead, on their 1978 album "Here They Come." If they had made music videos for their music back then, I believe it would have looked something like this video I've made... 

Go ahead, drive the nails in My hands; 

Laugh at me, where you stand.

Go ahead, and say it isn't Me; 

The day will come, when you will see.

'Cause I'll rise, again, 

Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down! 

Yes, I'll rise, again, 

Death can't keep Me in the ground.

Go ahead, mock My name; 

My love for you is still the same.

Go ahead, and bury Me; 

But very soon, I will be free! 

'Cause I'll rise, again; 

Ain't no power on earth can keep Me down! 

Yes, I'll rise, again; 

Death can't keep Me in the ground.

Go ahead, and say I'm dead and gone, 

But you will see that you were wrong.

Go ahead, try to hide the Son; 

But all will see that I'm the One! 

'Cause I'll come again! 

Ain't no power on earth can keep me back! 

Yes, I'll come again; 

Come to take My people back.