Joe Benjamin Shipley

December 15, 1935 – July 22, 2025 

After a long period of weakening health and a brief illness, Joe B. Shipley gave up his earthly infirmities, entering into the loving arms of Jesus on July 22, 2025. He was a lifetime resident of Kingsport. Joe was a beloved husband, a loving father, and a loyal, supportive, and generous individual to all who knew him. He was a member of Fordtown Baptist Church for nearly 70 years, serving as a choir member and as a Sunday school teacher for several years, as well as a deacon for over 65 years. Joe was also a member of the Masonic Lodge (formerly Holston) and a charter member of the Fordtown Ruritan Club. He retired from Eastman Kodak/Chemical Company after 37 years of service. Joe enjoyed woodworking, fishing, working on things around the house, and spending time with family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents Walter Benjamin Shipley and Mary Anna Shipley of Kingsport, brother Jack Shipley (Sue) of West Virginia, sister Anabell Kitzmiller (Charles) of Kingsport, and daughter-in-law Kaye Shipley of Kingsport. Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy are Shirley, his wife of 68 years; Anthony (Joey), his son; granddaughters Kristen McDaniel and Kaitlin McDaniel, both of Kingsport; great-grandchildren Rhianna Cradic, Connor Cradic, McKenna McDaniel, and Hunter McDaniel, all of Kingsport; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Family members wish to thank their extended and church families for their love, support, and prayers. Joe appreciated every one of you during his final difficult years.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm in the chapel of Hamlet Dobson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2630 Highway 75, Blountville, TN (formerly East Tennessee Funeral Home). The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm officiated by Rev. Bryan Moore and Rev. Keith Smith. Burial will follow in the Garden of Masonic.

Pallbearers will be Roger Blevins, Martin Smith, Wayne Olinger, Jeremy King, Josh Olinger and Steve Stafford. Honorary Pallbearer is Scott Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fordtown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 444 Old Fordtown Rd., Kingsport TN 37663; alternately, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.