Thomas Edward Shipman, 67, of Hampton VA, formerly of Bradford, passed away on May 11, 2021, at his home in Hampton.
Born March 7, 1954, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Robert and Marian (Harriett) Shipman.
He was a 1971 graduate of Bradford High School.
Tom worked for Pennzoil Station, Bradco, Bradford Meats and Provisions, and Bisset’s. In 1993 he moved to Virginia and worked for Hydracrete pumping, Herr’s and UTZ.
He was an active member of the Rew Volunteer Fire department for over a decade, where he held roles including Chief and Assistant Chief. He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows, Tri-County Fireman’s Association, DeMolay International, all in Bradford, he was a current member of Parkview Baptist and Northside Christian Church.
Tom Shipman was a delightful and mischievous soul. Whether it was a joke, pet name or obscure movie quote, he would always bring levity in any situation. He will be sorely missed by those that knew him. He was a drummer who could be found playing in local bands as well as Church Ensembles. He loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, NASCAR and Dirt-track racing.
Surviving is his loving spouse of 27 years, Mary Louise Shipman, his children, Jennifer (Mike Fay) Jordan, Robert (Angela) Shipman and Stacey (Carl) Nelson, all of Bradford, his stepchildren, Tracy (Kevin) Jenkins, Milton (Melanie) Stanius, and Denise (Jeff) Hurd, 19 grandchildren, including, Carrygan, Kelsey, and Delaney Jordan, McKenna, Parker, Bella Shipman, Tasha Mangel, Victoria, and Gabriella Nelson, 5 great grandchildren, one sister, Marlin “Sis” Gates, one brother-in-law Mark Kline, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Timothy Breese, James Shipman and Donald Shipman, and one sister, Joyce Kline.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, on Saturday July 17, 2021, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Rew Volunteer Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorials if desired may be made to the Rew Fire Department, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com