Charles McDonald "Tripp" Brice III

Tripp was born on October 8, 1957, on the island of Bermuda while his father, Lt. Col. Charles Brice, Jr. of the US Marine Corps, was stationed there. Born into a military family on an island set a path for Tripp that was manifested in how he lived his life. Tripp was a Tar Heel through and through, a USCG Licensed boat captain and was proud to make his living on and around the ocean. After working for private boat owners, including Eagle Oil/Transport and Hatteras Yachts, he embarked on a career as the Dock Master of the Bridge Tender Marina in Wrightsville Beach. Tripp ran the marina for 35 years and while there, he cultivated relationships with many that enjoyed it and made their living on the water as well. He watched countless hurricanes come in and was there the day after to start fixing what was damaged. Tripp had a deep appreciation for all members of the military and law enforcement; he routinely flew the flags of our military in front of the dock house. He was very proud of his family's connection to the military, and he lived his life in much the same way. On any given day, there may be several New Hanover County Sheriff's Deputies or a team of Navy Seals on the dock. He thought of each of them as his family and treated them as such.

Tripp was a member of St. John's #1 Masonic Lodge and leaves behind many brothers who enjoyed his friendship and fellowship. Tripp had a deep love of nature, whether it was chasing sailfish in the Pacific, hunting ducks at Mattamuskeet or watching Canadian Geese fly on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He respected and revered God's creation and had a front row view from his perch at the marina. He loved boats and his many friends that ran them and always had a piling for them to tie to. Tripp served as chairman of the local Ducks Unlimited chapter for many years and was the co-founder of the Eddy Haneman Sailfish Tournament. The tournament raises money for families in need as well as local charities including Hospice. He had a place in his heart and the dock house for his 4-legged canine friends. He loved them all, but he considered his cherished lab "Drake" his son.

Tripp is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sherrie, as well as countless "dock boys and girls" that he considered his own. He ran the marina as an institution where he sought to make good men into better men. Many of his staff thought of him as a father.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2 pm at Little Chapel on the Boardwalk on Wrightsville Beach. Friends and family will gather at the marina at the conclusion of the service to share stories about his friendship. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Masonic Orphanage, Hospice, or the New Hanover County Humane Society.