Riley Shipman

Canton – Riley Lafayette “R.L.” Shipman, 85, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.

A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late George Vanis and Mary Lou Mathis Shipman. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Sarah Jane Burrell Shipman, who died in 2019, and daughter-in-law, Laurie Shipman. Riley proudly served in the U.S. National Guard and retired from Champion International in 1999 after 40 years with the company.  As a talented woodworker, he built beautiful furniture.  He enjoyed frequenting antique shops and shows and was a member of Plains United Methodist Church.

Riley is survived by his daughter, Tammy Shipman; son, Larry Shipman (Regina); sister, Ruby Lee Crumpler; three brothers, G.L. Shipman (Pat), James Shipman (Shevondea), and Danny Shipman (Kim); two grandchildren, Michael Shipman (Mindy) and Gina Jennings; a great-grandchild, Victory Shipman, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2022, in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Zack Christy officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family appreciates the excellent care Riley received at Silver Bluff Nursing and Rehabilitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or to Plains United Methodist Church, 84 Holland Road, Canton, NC 28716.

The care of Mr. Shipman has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton.