Auburn Tripp

James “Auburn” Tripp, age 84 was born on January 18,1940 and was called home to meet his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 15, 2024. 

Auburn was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to the late Roy Bunion and LaRule Cole Tripp, and preceded in death by an infant daughter, a sister Ann Tripp Bouldin and husband Rev. Robert Bouldin, and sister-in-law Minnie Tripp.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jean Carpenter Tripp, two daughters, Sandra Tripp and Lynnette Tripp Thomas both of Pittsboro, and brother Kemp Bunion Tripp of Mebane.  Also, two grandchildren Marshall Tripp Thomas and wife Courtney of Sanford, Holly Thomas Schwarz and husband Chris of Wake Forest, great granddaughters Emma Thomas and Ava Schwarz, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.

Auburn grew up in Pittsboro, drove a school bus and graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1958.  A few weeks later, he and Jean were married and began their life together.  Auburn started his career in sales at Jimmy Wrenn Auto and Cooper Harris Ford, before opening his own business Tripp Auto Sales.  After working in collections at Riggsbee-Hinson Furniture, he returned to Cooper Harris Ford. 

His interest grew in real estate and auctions and ultimately led to his North Carolina Real Estate License and North Carolina Auctioneer License.  Soon after Tripp Auction and Realty, Inc., became a family business. 

Auburn enjoyed spending time with his family, attending family reunions, and especially attending his grandchildren’s school activities.  He was always at the dance recitals and in the stands at basketball, softball, or football games.  He considered Mt. Gilead Baptist Church an extension of that family and supported the church throughout the years fulfilling many roles from Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, Treasurer, Deacon, and Trustee. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory Griffin Chapel.  The Funeral Service will be Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Pittsboro, NC with the Rev. Dan Robinson presiding.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Tripp family.