Sgt. Paul R. Shipman (Ret.), affectionately known as “Buddy” as a youth by his family, passed away peacefully at his residence in Saluda, North Carolina on Tuesday, June 06, 2023. He was born on April 01, 1949, in Henderson County, North Carolina, where he grew up in the Mountain Home area.
Paul graduated from West Henderson High School Class of 1967, where he was a volunteer fireman prior to being deployed to Vietnam as a Sergeant in the United States Army. He had always dreamed of becoming a Trooper, and following his service with the Army, he joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he served the citizens of North Carolina for 30 years, retiring as a Line Sergeant. His dedication to his work was unwavering, and he was highly respected by his colleagues and the community he served.
He was always ready to serve people in need. A protector of all, Paul loved fast cars, especially Corvettes, and anything that pertained to NASCAR. He loved his dogs, with German Shepherds being his favorite because of the protection they provided him during the Vietnam War. Paul enjoyed working in the yard. He also served as a Mason and Shriner.
He met Wanda T. (Gayle) Shipman in 2004 and they married in 2006 at Open Door Christian Fellowship Church. They moved to the Tryon/Green Creek area and joined First Baptist Landrum, where he rededicated his life to the Lord. After Wanda retired, they relocated to Saluda, North Carolina.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, George Wofford Shipman; mother, Martha Blankenship McEntire; step-father, Harry Corn; sister, Pat Corn Duncan; brothers, Larry Shipman and Ronnie Corn.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda; one sister, Brenda Crossman; one brother, Jonnie Corn; three children, Casey Shipman (Marie), Jeremy Shipman (Jo Ellen), and Nathan Patterson (Britanny); six grandchildren, Kayla Huggins, Spencer Shipman, Austin Shipman, Paige Shipman, Kelsey Shipman, and Hailey Shipman; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends he met along his journey.
A celebration of Sgt. Shipman’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Hendersonville. Full honors will be provided by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Sgt. Shipman’s memory are asked to consider, North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit, P.O. Box 840, Summerfield, North Carolina 27358 or by visiting www.nctacaisson.org.
Dear Gayle and Family, We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and send to you our Deepest Sympathy. With Love, Bob & Liz & Family
Sending you all my thoughts and prayers. With much appreciation for all the years of Paul’s haircuts and conversation. He was a special man and friend.
Kimberly
Smokey’s Barbershop
Paul and I were in the same SHP School. I lived in Hendersonville so we traveled together home on Fridays, and traveled back to State Highway Patrol School every Sunday afternoon.
We established a solid friendship, and we bonded well, with all the weekend trips.
Sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and family. Paul and I were in patrol school back in 1972. May the Lord bless you and family.
A friend, a patriot and the type of man that made this country great. I’ll miss you Paul.
Uncle Buddy helped me overcome one of my deepest darkest childhood secrets and escape from the burden it was weighing on my heart and mind, I will be forever grateful that I had a uncle that loved me enough to be there for me and helped me do the right thing, it changed my life. Prayers going out for his wife Wanda and all of my family as we grieve over the loss of Paul.
He will be missed by many. I enjoyed taking care of his eyes for years.