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Richard Shipley Obituary
Madisonville, TN
Richard Kenneth Shipley, age 73, passed away at his home in Madisonville, Tennessee, on July 2, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Todd Shipley; daughter, Colonel Samantha Ray; step-daughter, Jamie Phillips Williamson; his brothers, David, Nat, and Jon Shipley; sisters Mary Beal, and Martha Lee; 7 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ken is a graduate of Science Hill High School in Johnson City, TN, where he was born and raised. He served his country honorably as a USMC Reservist. Ken entered the workforce in communications at Intermountain Telephone in TN. He moved to Kissimmee, Florida in 1974, where his career in phone communications continued under United Telephone, Sprint, Embarq, and lastly Centurylink, when he retired in 2008, after 40 years. Ken is also remembered for his civil service as a 12 year county commissioner of Osceola County, Florida, serving as Chairman four times. Ken's extensive involvement in Osceola County also included serving on numerous boards, such as the YMCA and United Way, serving as Chairman of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. As a father and family man, Ken assisted in Little League football and baseball, and High School football as the athletic trainer, where he was fondly referred to as "Doc Shipley". Ken is remembered for his dedication to the people of Osceola County, whom he served, his integrity, his leadership, his compassion and thoughtfulness, and mostly his unwavering love for his family. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Shipley
Sponsored by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Inc. - Madisonville.
Teddy Booth
July 6, 2017
Ken was a good friend. We served together in the USMC and worked together for many years. He will be missed. God bless
Bobby Lingerfelt
July 5, 2017
Sharon and Family. Ken and I go back many years to the early 70's when we both worked for United Telephone in Tenn. Ken worked in Johnson City and I worked in Elizabethton. We worked together on a project for the Johnson City News Press. In the late 80's Ken came to Kissimmee and we worked together with Sprint. My Prayer will be that God will comfort each of you as he can only do. Hold on to the many Memories each of you have of Ken. He was a dear friend and will be missed greatly by everyone.
Nancy McCorkle Stivers, SHHS 62
July 5, 2017
Warm memories of Kenny go all the way back to the first day of first grade at West Side School. He was always kind, caring and sharing a great sense of humor. Blessings to your family for comfort and peace.
July 5, 2017
We are sorry for your loss, praying for your comfort, and peace in this time of need.
Michael and Kimberly Wright
SHHS 1962
Claire Dempster
July 5, 2017
RIP good friend. We are proud to have called you friend. Claire and John Dempster
Larry Wayne
July 5, 2017
Sharon, Sam, Todd, Jamie and all the family - We first met Ken 7 years ago when we moved in as his neighbors down the street. He came down, USMC hat and walking stick and immediately I knew I liked this man with a tremendous sense of humor. Over the years, Ken was helpful with several of our home projects and we traded many a story about the military and state of the world. I know that given the opportunity, Ken could have fixed a lot that is wrong with this old world today. He loved his family and was proud, so proud, of each one of you. Pat and I already miss him so much. Semper Fi, Brother.
Pat & Larry Wayne, Madisonville, TN
Colonel Larry and Sharon McCourry
July 4, 2017
Ken will be missed by the members of Science Hill High School class of 1962. We send our sincere condolences to his family.
July 4, 2017
Jon, we are sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort.
Ronnie and Betty Boyt, Newnan, Ga.
Paul Jones
July 4, 2017
Ken gave so much of himself to his family, community, and young people. He was an American Patriot. While I had not seen Ken in decades, by happen-chance, we renewed our friendship via amateur radio (ham) and he became a mentor. I know he will be missed in many quarters, certainly by his family.
Our thoughts and prayers with the family.
73, to SK Ken
Nancy Ridings
July 4, 2017
Martha, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. Praying for you and your brothers fsmily.
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Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Inc. - Madisonville4650 US-411, Madisonville, TN 37354
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