Gene T. Triplett, 91, of Wilmington, NC passed away on the morning of January 16, 2023.  Mr. Triplett was born on April 4, 1931, son of James D. and Maggie N. (Church) Triplett of Granite Falls, NC.  The sixth of seven children, he was predeceased by his brother, Garrell J. Triplett, and sisters Jewel Kirby, Violet Carlson, Georgia Reinhardt and Wanda Powell.  After his freshman year at Lenoir-Rhyne University, he entered the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving at Naval Air Stations in Washington, D.C. and Jacksonville, FL.  Following military service, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree with honors at American University and earned the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award.  Gene began his career with the Department of the Navy, later transferring to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from which he retired after 30 years of service.

Gene started his life humbly in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, pursued an education, and worked his way to a distinguished administrative career.  When he retired, he made his way to live by the sea, caring for his home and yard, and traveling with Mary.  He enjoyed a homemade biscuit, apple pie, a hamburger, and doing crosswords in the mornings on the deck with his grandsons.

Gene is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Alice (Mackie) Triplett, son Stephen Triplett of Asheville, NC, daughters Debra Bullington of Helena, MT, Caroline McClintock of Cary, NC, and Cynthia Triplett of Leland, NC.  Five grandsons made him very happy and very proud: Samuel Bullington (Lorinda) of Missoula, MT, Joseph Bullington of New Orleans, LA and MT, Ben Bullington of White Sulphur Springs, MT, Jackson McClintock of Chapel Hill, NC and Riley McClintock of Cary, NC.  He is survived also by a dear sister, Sylvia Muñoz of Boynton Beach, FL and a number of nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will meet for an outdoor service at the Columbarium and Memorial Garden at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401 on Monday, January 23, 1:00PM, with the U.S. Navy performing military honors; reception to follow at Cambridge Village of Wilmington, 75 Cavalier Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405.  A larger memorial service by the ocean will be held in the fall.  His family wishes to thank the nurses, aides and doctors at Lower Cape Fear Life Center in Wilmington, NC for their amazing care.  In lieu of flowers please consider either a gift in his name to this hospice at lifecare.org or First Presbyterian Church at firstonthird.org.

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Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171