DRIPPING SPRINGS — The Dripping Springs community is rallying in support of the Rippy family following Oran Hill “Pug” Rippy’s passing on June 12.

Oran Hill “Pug” Rippy

Janet Rippy said that “Pug” got his name from the feature of his nose, which disappeared as he grew older.

“He is named after his father, Oran, and his uncle, Hill. So someone, an uncle, I think, came in and saw him and said, ‘He has a cute little pug nose,’ which he lost after he got older,” Janet said. “But that’s how he got his name.”

Janet added that when she first met Pug, he was “extremely polite.” She would come to know him as a “fair, concerning and, overall, just a really good person,” Janet said. They were married for 59 years.

Pug, who was born March 21, 1939 in Mt. Gainor and grew up in Dripping Springs, loved his community and served it in a variety of capacities, including as a teacher and coach in everything from football and girls basketball to history and elementary physical education.

“He loved his community, he loved his people,” she said. “He just liked all of it.”

After retiring from education, Pug ran for Hays County Commissioner after someone simply asked him to.

“I think someone asked him to run,” Janet said. As commissioner, he was proud of the accomplishments of the county, including renovating the historic courthouse and the establishment of a pool in Founder’s Park.

“He had always thought that Dripping Springs should have a public pool for children to swim,” his wife said. “They just have the creek. And so he started the foundation for the beginning of that.”

Pug also served on several boards such as the Hill Country Care Nursing Home and on the first Dripping Springs City Council.

It was his upbringing that made him so committed to the Dripping Springs community, Janet said. “He was just taught that way,” she added.

He took over the family store — Rippy Ranch Supply — in 1984. As he greeted customers, he made countless friends. “His favorite thing about owning the store was probably the people,” Janet said.

Above all, he was most proud of his family and considered his children, Robin Rippy Scott, Royce Rippy and Rinda Corbin, and grandchildren, Colby Talley, Hill, Maryella and Hank Rippy, and Howard and Jack Corbin, to be his legacy.

Pug had a profound love for his family, Janet said. “As a father, he was just such a good role model and he loved his family,” she said. “He loved them and loved spending time with them. He tried to support them and go to all of their events.”

Since his passing, the Dripping Springs community has been nothing but supportive to the Rippy family.

“Just an outpouring of love — which is Dripping Springs,” Janet said.

Services to honor Pug Rippy were held on June 16. Charitable gifts in Pug’s honor can be made to First Baptist Church Dripping Springs or a charity of your choice.