Mr. Shipley was born on June 2, 1932, in Baltimore Co., Maryland, a son of the late Edward Shipley and Myrtle Ritz Shipley.  He was retired after 37 years with Baltimore Rigging as a crane operator and a member of Sardis Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, NC.

 Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Paula Jean Parks Shipley, of the home; five children, Will Shipley and Michael Shipley both of Florida, Vickie Shipley of Pennsylvania, Deborah Sheidy and William Howard Shipley, Jr. both of Maryland; three step children, Thomas John Blake of Matthews, Patricia Simmons of Maryland; two brothers, Carl Shipley of Maryland and Raymond Shipley of Arizona; 15 grandchildren, one step grandchild and three great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a stepson James Prevette and two brothers Edward Shipley, Jr. and Herbert Shipley.

 Funeral services and burial will be private.

 Memorials may be made to Gaston Humane Society, 114 Sherrill Road, Gastonia, NC 28052.

 A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com

 Stamey~Cherryville Funeral Home is serving the Shipley family.