“Joe Shipley was a good man,” says Linda Sue Arrants Shipley, his wife of 41 years. Those who knew Joe would surely agree. Carl Donald Shipley of Blountville, known as “Doc” by some, and “Uncle Joe” by his beloved nieces and nephews, went to be with the Lord on February 10, 2020. He died at home.
Mr. Shipley, 74, was a retired long-time employee of Tennessee Eastman in Kingsport. He was a Purple Heart recipient, serving in the Army’s 1st Airborne Division during the late 1960s.
Originally from Kingsport, Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clay V. and Teba Light Shipley; a brother, Charlie Thomas “Tom” Shipley; and an infant brother, Clay Monroe Shipley. Joe is survived by his wife, Linda; two sisters, Betty Wanda Shipley, and Beatrice Kay Martin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
“Joe was a selfless, kind and gentle man,” said a niece. “My heart just aches; most of my fondest childhood memories are with Uncle Joe and my amazing Aunt Linda.” One of Joe’s nephews added, “I have memories that will last a lifetime, from VHS karate movies, sausage and “mater” biscuits and “build your own sundae” in Myrtle Beach, to all of the times that we got to spend with you as children….Until we meet again.” The family hopes that for Joe, the coconuts are more enjoyable in Heaven.
Joe and Linda loved their trips to the beach, and playing cards with friends. Joe also enjoyed word puzzles, and listening to country and Christian music. He served as a Deacon at West Hills Christian Church, where he and Linda have been longtime members.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 18, 2020, at Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust St., Bristol, TN. The Rev. Gary Knapp will officiate at the memorial service at 11 a.m. The burial will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN with military honors conducted by the DAV Chapter 40 Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to a Veterans organization as a thank you to ALL who have served.
Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
My best memories are of my teen age years with Joe and Linda. Am so grateful that my children got to spend time and enjoy their Aunt Linda and Uncle Joe!
All of my memories of Joe are from Thomas family reunions and Christmas parties. He was always a face of “calm” in a sea of Thomases. And we aren’t calm or quiet. He will be missed.
My heart and prayers are there for dear Linda and family. Joe was a kind and incredible sweet man. I have so many wonderful memories of them and all Teena and I did with them and to them during our teenage years. God Bless all of you and I know Joe had a Happy Reunion day in Heaven.
We met Joe through Linda and became friends over the time they were married. Joe always seemed to be a caring and serious gentleman. He was always so attentive to Linda’s needs. We had the privilege of attending Church with them at West Hills Christian for last couple of years. Joe will be missed by all who knew him and our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda.
Rick and Kaye Malone
I worked with “Doc” at Eastman and always enjoyed chatting with him. Sorry for your losing him. Prayers go out to his family
TO THE FAMILY OF JOE SHIPLEY: Tom and I dearly loved Joe and will miss him so very much. He was a man among men and we know his sweet “Queen” is grieving his loss. Our sympathies to Linda and his family. Love, Tom and Anna Parris
Dear Linda and family, we are so sorry to hear about “Doc”.
My favorite memory, is Bill telling me how he took such good care of you Linda. Judy
Linda, good memories of working with him at Eastman, Bill
Dear Linda and family, we’re so sorry to hear about “Doc” you are in our prayers.
My favorite memory of him is Bill telling me how much he loved and took care of you Linda, (Judy)
Enjoyed all the years we worked at Eastman (Bill)
Sorry for your loss, he was my second cousin.
We love Joe and Linda who have been an integral part of our church family at West Hills Christian Church. After our children were grown and moved away, Joe never failed to ask how they were doing and “When are they coming home?” Now Joe is “Home” with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But how we will miss him! Our deepest sympathy to Linda and his extended family.
Linda, sorry I could not make it to visitation for “Doc. Have been sick for a week or two and still have a bad caught. Could hardly believe he is gone and didn’t know he had been sick. Doc and I were close when we worked to gather and were very good friends. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. I have many good memories of Doc and I am sure we will meet again someday. God less you always.