Clifford Ray Tribble

On July 9, 2014, Clifford Ray Tribble, age 87, died in his home in Silver Spring, Md. Born May 10, 1927 in Limestone County, Ala. He was the son of Hopkins and Bertha Tribble. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Irene Cole; and his brothers, Morris, Alonzo, Dean, and Billy Tribble. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Gardiner Tribble of Silver Spring, Md.; his daughter, Elisabeth Luther of Phoenix, Ariz.; and grandson, Jonathan Luther of Olympia, Wash.; son, Dr. David Ray Tribble married to Laura (Walters) of Rockville, Md.; and granddaughters, Katherine of Arlington, Va. and Caroline of Rockville, Md.; son, Jon Charles Tribble married to Allison Joseph, both of Carbondale, Ill. He is also survived by his sisters, Erlene Hayes of Grant, Ala., and Joyce Abernathy Clanton of Vero Beach, Fla; and several in-laws; cousins; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Clifford Ray Tribble served in the United States Marines from 1945-47 and after his service received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Athens College and did graduate study in social work at the University of Tennessee in Nashville and Scarritt College. Beginning in 1948, he worked for the United Methodist Church as a minister, home missionary, and social services director, primarily through the Women's Division of the UMC, at locations in Alabama, Iowa, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Arkansas. He and his wife, Betty, served as missionaries providing community service and education in Iowa, Tennessee, and Nebraska, before moving to Little Rock, Ark., where he worked as the executive director of Camp Aldersgate for 18 years. In 1974, he was named Arkansas Social Worker of the Year. From 1982 until his retirement in 1992, he worked as administrator of Children's Medical Services with the Arkansas Department of Social Services. Before moving to Silver Spring, Md., he worked part-time as associate pastor of Hunter United Methodist Church and served as a board member on the General Board of Global Ministries World Division (UMC). Visitation will be conducted from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Parker Chapel United Methodist Church (28670 Powell Rd, Madison, Ala.) followed by funeral service at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's name to Camp Aldersgate (2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 website: http://campaldersgate.net/) or Parker United Methodist Chapel (care of Glennis Cole, 10655 Segers Rd., Madison, Ala. 35756). Online condolences may be made to www.madisonchapelfuneralhome.com.