On May 23, 1963, James and Estelle Burrell were the blessed, proud parents of a baby boy that they named Rip Allen Burrell. The name "Rip" derived because even as a young infant, his father, James, saw a certain strength in him, and thought one day that he might grow up to become a professional athlete. Rip enjoyed sports and his favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved fishing outings and morning breakfast with his brother, James Jr., "Jimmy." Rip never allowed the physical challenges that he faced to separate him from this overwhelming love for God. He would drive to the Oral Roberts Prayer Tower daily to pray. After a while, others would request for Rip to pray for them, because they knew that he was a man of "great faith." Although at times in immense pain, you could ask Rip how he was doing and his famous words were, "awe, I can't complain."

Rip matriculated through the Tulsa Public School System, attending Hawthorne Elementary School, Marion Anderson Junior High School, and graduating with the Class of 1982 at Booker T. Washington High School. He also furthered his education by enrolling and attending Tulsa Community College.

Rip was a dedicated worker in the Church and served faithfully under the late Dr. L. L. Tisdale, while attending Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. It was at this time that Rip was ordained as a Deacon of the Church and he was also one of the drivers in the bus ministry. He later joined Carbondale Assembly of God, under the leadership of Pastor Phil Taylor. It was at Carbondale, where Deacon Rip Allen Burrell accepted his call into the ministry. On November 10, 2004, Reverend Rip Allen Burrell preached his first sermon, "Being An Over Comer In Spite Of."

Everyone who knew Rip also knew that he was very straightforward, didn't bite his tongue, but was very honest. He loved people and with that love, he dedicated himself to the service of God and those whom he met in his journey through life. When we needed encouragement, when we felt we couldn't go on, Rip was our strong-tower, our armor bearer. Because of his closeness with God and his ability to get a prayer through, Rip was asked to be the prayer leader in his dialysis group. He touched so many lives, and the wonderful seeds of love he planted will forever rest in our hearts. Rip knew the day would come when God would heal him, and that he would be free; from all pain and suffering. 1 Corinthians 2:9, But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

We, the Burrell family will truly miss our son and brother. We hold fast to the wonderful memories and all of the beautiful years that God kept him on this earth. Rip leaves in God's care; his parents, James Isaac Burrell, Sr., and Estelle Burrell; his five brothers and sisters, Michael Frost, Madelyn Andrews, James "Jimmy" Burrell, Jr., Melody [Byron] Watson and Malcolm [Melissa] Burrell; eleven nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The Celebratory Worship service will be on Friday, February 24, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in the Carbondale Assembly of God, 2135 West 51st Street. Pastor PHil Taylor, Officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Acres Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be on Thursday, from 12 Noon to 7 PM at the funeral home in Tulsa.