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Tommy Shipman Obituary
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He was born on December 20, 1953, in Brevard, NC. Tommy was a big man with a big heart and a big personality. He loved his family, friends, Harley-Davidson's, football and the Big Empty Farm. Most days he could be found on his RTV with his dog Bella right by his side, checking cattle.
Tommy attended Penrose Elementary School, Brevard Middle School, and graduated from Brevard High School in 1972. He was well known in the sports of football and wrestling. He worked at DuPont for 30 years. Additionally, he proudly served his community and devoted many years to Little River Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Julia Shipman, his father and mother-in-law Ansel and Alma Merrill, brothers-in-law, Ansel "Baker" Merrill, Jerry Emerson, and Joe Crane, and great niece, McKenna Brock.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Linda Shipman; son Luther Shipman (Missy); daughter Angela Tilley; granddaughters, Amber Ramer, Ashley Ramer, Krista Padgett (Kohl); sisters, Ada Crane, and Darlene Gillespie (Larry); brother, William Shipman (Diane); aunts, Louise Shelton, Shirley Shipman, and Hazel Deitz; brother-in-law, Jerry Merrill (Le), sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Emerson and Pat Merrill; nephews, Dale Crane, Justin Shipman, Brian Merrill (Joan), Alex Merrill, Jeff Merrill (Susan), Joe Merrill (Vicki), Nathan Emerson (Jenny), Eric Emerson (Michelle); nieces Charlene Cali (Chris), Elaine Hauss (Wilson), Crystal McCall (Ernie), Teresa Bryson (Vernon), Missy Brock (Jason), Crystal Merrill; as well as several great nieces and nephews who cherished their time with him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Little River Baptist Church starting at 12 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Marc Reynolds and Rev. Ben Brown officiating. The graveside service and final resting place will follow at Little River Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Lewis F. Whiteside Sr.
August 28, 2025
"Wild Tom" was definitely an unforgettable character. I first met Tom when he was a member of the BHS Blue Devils' football team and I was an assistant coach. He always put forth his best effort, no matter what. If he thought it, he said it. If he wanted to do it , he did it. He was always good natured, fun loving, full of laughs and enjoyed making others laugh. As the years passed and our paths crossed, he always recalled a fun moment from the past or a current laughable situation. Without a doubt, he is laughing it up with his old teammates and friends in heaven. Rest in peace, my friend. I love you.
Jacob Norman
August 27, 2025
My condolences to the family. Wild Tom and I played football together. He was always making jokes. He was always smiling and full of life. He will be surely missed.
Eric Kilstrom aka Earache
August 27, 2025
Wild Tom you will be missed by all of Hogtown. Always loved talking with you over the years, even your jokes that might be aimed at me. I'll always be ankle to hear that laugh of yours.
Wendell Johnstone
August 27, 2025
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends. I shared lots of laughs with him over the years!
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Lynn sprouse
August 27, 2025
Prayers that your precious memories will give comfort in the days to come.
Gary M Roberts
August 27, 2025
Tommy was always a lot of fun to be around. He was always joking or picking on someone. He will definitely be missed in our tight knit Little River Community.
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