Fred A. Ripley, 1949-2026
Heaven received a good man when Fred Augustus Ripley, age 77, died April 13, 2026, at his home in Nashville, Tennessee. We believe that he died peacefully watching The Master’s on TV.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, charity, and devotion to the Lord. Fred led his life with a generous heart for young people through his involvement in “Young Life” and “House withHeart,” an orphanage in Nepal for abandoned children. Fred served as a founding member of the board of directors for House with Heart from 2015-2021. During his trips to Nepal one of the students wrote, “Fred was proud and celebrated every little accomplishment of each one of us at House with Heart. He took us on fun trips and passed on his love of golf and tennis to us.”
Born in Arlington, Virginia February 14, 1949, the only child of “Rip” A. Ripley, Sr. and Florence Ripley. He was preceded in death by his parents. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas. After graduating from East High School, he received his BA in Education from WSU. During his junior high years,he was introduced to Young Life and became a devoted Christian and lifelong leader and fundraiser in Young Life activities.
Fred began his elementary teaching career in the Wichita Public Schools, later teaching in Dallas, Texas. His next move took him to the Dallas TimesHerald, as the Educational Writer. By the 1980’s Fred moved into the commercial business world taking him to Austin, Texas and later to Nashvillewhere he worked as Vice-President of Investment Sales at Brookside Properties.
Over the decades developed a large family of friends from Church and Christian fellowship, colleagues, tennis and golf buddies and neighbors. His closest cousins in Nashville.
Fred discovered golf at an early age through his Uncle Johnie Stapp, PGA pro, and played golf with his friends in Nashville from coast to coast. Returning to play Pebble Beach was a special event for Fred and his friends.
In memory of Fred donations may be sent to “Nashville Young Life” or to “House With Heart” at
A Memorial Service celebrating Fred’s life will be held July 10, 2026, at 11:00am at the Christ Presbyterian Church, 2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville. A private burial at Harpeth Hills Cemetery will be held for family. 393 words
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center – Nashville.
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