Robert Grant "Red" Shipley

Robert Grant "Red" Shipley peacefully passed away with family by his side on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allison L. and Oma Huff Shipley; a brother, Jack Shipley; and a sister, Jewell S. Gooch.

Red was one of Orange County's best known citizens following more than 50 years in the radio broadcasting industry.

Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, Red's younger years were filled with listening to Blue Grass and country music greats such as Bill Monroe, Ralph and Carter Stanley and Mac Wiseman.

From those early childhood years Red never wanted to be anything but a country music disc jockey.

The Shipley family moved to Orange County following World War II. Red attended Orange County schools and began the career he always wanted by broadcasting Orange County High School football games on local radio station WJMA before he graduated in 1956.

Within three years of graduation Red had moved to WPRW in Manassas where he quickly became one of Northern Virginia's most popular morning ride DJ's.

The career ladder then took Red to Warrenton and Big K Country. Big K became one of the top five rated Country radio stations during Red's tenure. Red's time at Big K brought much national recognition and an appearance on the popular Hee Haw television show.

From Big K Red went to WPIK in Alexandria where he was both the morning drive DJ and program manager. Red ended his first radio career following his time at WPIK, but during that time he developed his first bluegrass show which eventually led him to his 25 year career as host of Stain Glass Bluegrass.

In 1982 Red was called on to host the show on WAMU on a temporary basis. Red moved back to Orange and radio broadcasting in 1995. He returned to regular DJ duties with WJMA. With a special arrangement with WAMU in Alexandria, Red continued to broadcast Stain Glass Bluegrass from Orange.

Red suffered a major stroke two years ago that left him paralyzed on his right side. Unable to continue as morning DJ at WJMA, Red was able to continue as host of Stain Glass Bluegrass.

Red remained the host of Stain Glass Bluegrass for more than 25 years, which was his goal following the stroke. His last show as host of Stain Glass Bluegrass was broadcast three weeks prior to his passing on September 16, 2007.

Stain Glass Bluegrass was a very special labor of love for Red and brought him much satisfaction and acclaim.

The International Bluegrass Music Association presented Red his highest honor, Broadcaster of the Year in 2006. The East Coast Bluegrass Association presented Red a Special Recognition Award for his 25 years of hosting Stain Glass Bluegrass in August of this year in a ceremony Red was able to attend.

Red leaves behind a loving family. Survivors include two sons and two daughters, Robert Bradley Shipley of Orange, Christy Ann Wise and her companion, Tim Clarke, of Spotsylvania, Cynthia Page Shipley and her companion, Milton Maxton, of Louisa and Jeffrey Grant Shipley and his wife, Gail, of Gordonsville. Grandchildren include Matthew Ryan Wise and Angela Nicole Wise of Spotsylvania and "Scooter" Lee Shipley of Gordonsville.

Family night will be at the Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Gordonsville from 6 until 9 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2007.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2007, at the Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville. Burial will be private.

The family requests those wishing to make a memorial contribution forward those contributions to the International Bluegrass Music Association in Red's name. The IBMA address is The International Bluegrass Music Museum, 207 East Second Street, Owensboro, KY 42303; Institution devoted to preserving the history of bluegrass music.

The family wishes to say a special "thank you" to Bob Webster, Nick Henry and Al Martin for their special friendships during his illness.