Forrest Ray Tripod

Forrest Ray Tripod passed away Wednesday, October 7th at the age of 80. He was the son of Clifford Forrest and Verla Underwood Tripod.
Forrest loved the outdoors and could be found hunting or fishing whenever possible. He passed down his passion to his kids, grandkids and great grand kids. He also loved sports of any kind and was a proud to have been quarterback for the Paragould Bulldogs in high school. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Arkansas Razorback fan. Forrest also was an avid bowler and played on a league team for several decades.
Forrest retired from Arkansas Methodist Medical Center after 39 years of service as the Director of Laboratory services and also served as the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Director at one time. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Paragould and served as an usher there and participated in many committees in the past.
Forrest was preceded in death by his wife Lou Ann Hamblen Tripod, his parents Clifford and Verla Tripod, his grand children Jeremi Patten, Katherine Patten and great grandchild Layla Hedrick. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Jim, Jerry and Bill Tripod.
Survivors include daughter, Robin (Mike) Patten, sons Jeff (Connie) Tripod and Jon (Holly) Tripod. Grandchildren Emily Patten, Laura (Chris) Brantley, Sarah Hedrick, Matt (Sonni) Tripod, Ryan (Jessica) Tripod, Morgan Tripod and Alex Tripod. Great grandchildren, Davin Jones, Josalyn Jones, Maralyn Weaver, Graclyn Weaver, Nathan Brantley, Libby Brantley, Holland Hedrick and Lucy Tripod. Forrest is also survived by a special companion, Karla Bassett.
The family request that memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Foundation or the charity of the giver’s choice.
Visitation will be Saturday from 2:00-3:30 P.M. at Heath Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 4:00 P.M. at Woods Chapel Cemetery with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Woods Chapel Cemetery.