Willie Raymond Shipman

WILLIE RAYMOND SHIPMAN WEAVERVILLE - Beloved husband and father, Willie Raymond Shipman of Weaverville passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, June 1, 2015. "Willie Ray" was born in Asheville to the late George Raymond and Lala Whitt Shipman. A 30-year veteran of the Asheville Fire Department, and veteran of the U.S. Army, Willie Ray was the embodiment of a true officer and a gentleman. His gifts of love and service to his family and community will forever remain his legacy. A loving husband of 25 years, he and his wife Vicki shared many happy memories together. He was a wonderful father and always there to help his children along life's way. He was also an awesome "papaw" and loved to tell stories of his life and teach his grandchildren how to fish. Willie was a kind gentle soul with a steady hand who helped so many. He was our family's rock, our foundation, and a strong man of God, never wavering in his love. In addition to his parents Willie is preceded in death by his step-son, Brandon Lunsford, of Maryville, TN. Surviving are his wife, Vicki Clinton Shipman; daughter, Jessica Shipman and Dave, of Winston-Salem, son, Jeffrey Shipman, and wife, Angie, of Weaverville; two young grandsons Riley and "LJ", of the home; three granddaughters, Jasmine Brown and husband Levi, Scarlette Shipman and Abigail Bailey; sister, Mary Ann Shipman of Weaverville; many adoring family members; countless friends and colleagues. His graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2015 in Piney Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery, 150 Elkins Branch Road, Weaverville, with Reverends Steve Freeman and Roy Shepherd officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville. Flowers are welcome and appreciated. Willie's wife and family wish to express their sincerest gratitude to Jupiter EMS, friends, family and coworkers for the outpouring of sympathy and love at this difficult time. Willie Ray taught us all to love, and we shall forever treasure his memory. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Willie's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. His graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2015 in Piney Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery, 150 Elkins Branch Road, Weaverville, with Reverends Steve Freeman and Roy Shepherd officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville. Flowers are welcome and appreciated. Willie’s wife and family wish to express their sincerest gratitude to Jupiter EMS, friends, family and coworkers for the outpouring of sympathy and love at this difficult time. Willie Ray taught us all to love, and we shall forever treasure his memory.