Raymon A. "Rip" Gish

Raymon A. "Rip" Gish passed away at Fellowship Home on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 after suffering from Alzheimer's for the past months. He was born on June 24, 1929 in Bremen, KY to Sherman and Ruby Gish. Rip graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1951, earning a bachelor's in Economics and a masters in School Administration. While at WKU, he played basketball and was named to the 1951 All American team.
Rip was drafted after college by the Boston Celtics of the NBA. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted by the U.S. Marine Corps, sent for basic training at Paris Island, and attended officer's school at Quantico, VA. Rip served in the Korean Conflict rising to the rank of Captain. He was always very proud to have served his country as a Marine.
After his discharge from active service, Rip began working for Phillips Petroleum and played basketball for the 66ers, winning several AAU championships. He held numerous positions with Phillips Petroleum, living in many areas of the country before moving to Valdosta in 1960 to manage their petroleum distributorship. Rip purchased the business in 1968 and began Gish Oil Company, working until his retirement in 2011.
Rip was a loving husband and father and leaves behind his wife, Helen, his daughter, Susan (Mike) Smith and son, Mark (Carolyn) Gish. He also leaves his grandchildren, Michael (Kori) Smith, Alden Gish, and Erin Gish as well as two great-grandchildren.
Rip's family would like to express their appreciation to the Veterans Administration and to the Fellowship Home for the outstanding care he received during his illness.
A service for family and close friends will be held at 2pm, Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Bob Willis officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be made online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.





Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602