A native of Halifax County, he was the son of the late Carlton Ray Tripp and Stella Ruby Green Tripp.

Joseph retired from the local textile mill as a loom fixer and also worked many years at Martin Exterminating.

An accomplished musician, he enjoyed playing guitar professionally and for friends and family.

A great father to his children, he mainly loved spending fun times with his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his fiancé, Shirly H. Allen and her children; Cynthia Allen Thomas and James Irvin Allen, all of Roanoke Rapids; his daughter, Cheryl Tripp Lee of Roanoke Rapids; his son, Joseph E .”Jody” Tripp Jr. of Roanoke Rapids; brother, Carlton “Buck” Tripp Jr. of Gaston; sister, Ruby Lena Vandyke of Henrico, N.C.; grandchildren, Dwayne Heustess, Lenzie Hardin, Jeremy Tripp, Jakob Tripp, Julia Tripp and Ava Tripp; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Leland, and Gabby Heustess and Daniel Smith; numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Wrenn, Clarke and Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service with Pastor Troy Green officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at wrennclarkehagan.com