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William Mead Shipstedt, Jr., 75, of Johns Island, SC, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
William was born on April 30, 1949, in Youngstown, OH, and was the oldest son of the late Jean Hahn Shipstedt and the late William Mead Shipstedt, Sr. He is preceded in death by his sister, Karen Shipstedt.
William (Bill) is survived by the love of his life of 48 years, Elizabeth Ely Shipstedt (Beth), daughters Cary Pardee (Eddie) and Megan Bruckman (Jason) of Charleston and son William M. Shipstedt, III of St. Petersburg, FL. He is also survived by his three grandsons Rivers Pardee, Hank Pardee and Baer Bruckman and his siblings, John Shipstedt (Ann) and Gail Shipstedt Bendall-Harpole (Joe) both of Richmond, VA.
Bill and his family lived in Poland, Ohio, moved to Harrisburg, PA and then settled in Richmond, VA in 1966 where he graduated from Douglas S. Freeman High School in 1967. Bill later earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a kid Bill enjoyed playing baseball and basketball beginning in little league through high school. As an adult he played tennis and completed Richmond half marathons. He| was also visible on the sidelines coaching youth sports.
After raising their kids in Richmond, Bill and Beth relocated to Charleston in 2005. Bill loved the warmer climate whether he was fishing, walking, or using his amazing green thumb creating and maintaining his beautiful yard. He absolutely loved the sunshine and was so attuned to the weather. He loved all creatures from any dog, cat and the abundance of wildlife that surrounded his home. Bill was artistic, creative, and had a crazy sense of humor. He was incredibly passionate about his music. He cried the day Steve Ray Vaughn died.
There was always a reason for family and friend get togethers-frying turkeys, flipping burgers, low country boils and some mean grilled chicken. There was always an IPA readily available.
Bill spent his career in sales and was most successful as a business owner. After retirement, he continued to work part-time at Publix.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 2pm to 4 pm where a Celebration of Life honoring Bill will take place at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Respite Care Charleston, 1605 Harbor View Rd, Charleston, SC. 29412, (PayPal-RespiteCareChs, Venmo-@RCC Charleston). Pet Helpers(pet helpers.org) or Lewy Body Dementia Association(LBDA.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414 (843) 722-8371.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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