Robert E. Tribble, 86

Robert E. Tribble, 86, of Manchester, GA passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at West Georgia Hospice, LaGrange. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 3, 2022, at Meriwether Memory Gardens with Rev. Len Strozier officiating.

Mr. Tribble was born September 15, 1935 in Lavonia, GA, the son of Robert Orr Tribble and Effie Mitchell Tribble. He was a graduate of Manchester High School and attended Middle Georgia College before joining the Army. After first working for the Manchester Mercury, Mr. Tribble purchased other local newspapers and eventually the Mercury. At the height of Trib Publications, Mr. Tribble owned 35 newspapers throughout the Southeast. He served on the Georgia Press Association Board of Directors for many years before serving as President in 1982-83. He received the 2017 Georgia Press Association’s Golden Club Award, presented for 50 years or more service to the newspaper industry. He was a member of the Manchester Kiwanis Club and the First Baptist Church of Manchester. Mr. Tribble was also instrumental in establishing the Sportsmanship Banquet which recognized student athletes demonstrating good character and Christian values on and off the field of play and served the Good Neighbor program for many years.

Mr. Tribble was the widower of Frances Smith Tribble and was also preceded in death by his brother, Bill Tribble and his sister, Cleta Young. Survivors include his son, Mitch and his wife, Patty; three granddaughters, Kristi, Heather and Ryan and one great granddaughter, Charli.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Tribble may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at www. alz.org or to First Baptist Church of Manchester, P.O. Box 528, Manchester, GA 31816.

Cox Funeral Home, 93 Prather Barnes Road, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.