Obituary of Harold A. "Shorty" Shipley

Harold A. "Shorty" Shipley, 92, of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday evening, April 26, 2016 at Friendship Skilled Nursing in Carlinville, IL. Harold was born on July 1, 1923 to Alson James “AJ” and Bertha (Patterson) Shipley in rural Palmyra, IL. He attended Palmyra High School until his senior year in 1942. Harold worked as a farm hand until he was inducted into the United States Navy on the March 29, 1944, serving during WW II in the South Pacific aboard an amphibious ship, the LST 753. After his service in the Navy, Harold returned to Illinois, marrying Kathleen J. "Kay" Best on September 5, 1948 at Blooming Grove Christian Church. He was awarded an honorary diploma from Northwestern High School in the early 1990's. When Harold returned from the war, he started his working career as a driver for Swift and Company, picking up and delivering fresh produce. After his employment with Swift and Company, he began his career as an auto mechanic, working for the Monetti family for over 20 years. Harold then started his own business, Shorty's Shop in Carlinville, retiring in 1985. He was an active member of Blooming Grove Christian Church in rural Palmyra, and served as an Elder for many years. Harold was presented the title of Honorary Elder upon his retirement from the church board. He was also very active with the MacGomery Christian Service Camp in rural Carlinville. Harold is survived by his wife, Kay Shipley of Carlinville, IL; two sons, David Shipley of Springfield, IL and Aaron (Johnnette) Shipley of Carlinville, IL; four grandsons, Joe and Jim Whitehead and Austin and Will Shipley; two granddaughters, Angie Whitehead-Kern and Sandra Shipley; great grandsons Abram and Dexter Kern and soon to be born great grandson Alexander John Shipley; son-in-law, Gary Whitehead of Washington, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy Whitehead in 2008 and a sister, Marie Scribner. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Blooming Grove Christian Church in rural Palmyra. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 10:00 am at the church. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Palmyra. Memorials are suggested to the family. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.