Walter Burl Shipley

Walter Burl Shipley, 82, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025 at 12:31pm at home surrounded by family. He was born on March 14, 1943, in Lenoir City, TN, to John and Bessie (Huskey) Shipley. He was the beloved father of Laura Ann Bishop (Matthew) of Carbondale, IL, and John L. Shipley (EunMi Choi) of Davis, CA, and the cherished "Sir" to six grandchildren-Lily, Olivia, and Molly Bishop of Carbondale, and Hana, TK, and Taejoon Shipley of Davis.

The name "Sir" came from his insistence that his grandchildren should call him Grandfather Sir. Unfortunately, his oldest granddaughter, Lily, could not say the entire title, so she named him "Sir" more than 20 years ago, and the nickname lovingly stuck.

After graduating from Bethel University and the University of Memphis, Walter devoted over 35 years to education, retiring in 2004 from Northwest Florida State College (formerly Okaloosa-Walton Community College), where he served as a Fine Arts professor specializing in theater. He directed countless productions and inspired hundreds of students and community members. While many of his students went on to professional careers in theater, his favorite star to watch on stage was his granddaughter, Olivia. Walter was honored to serve as President of both the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) and the Florida Theatre Conference (FTC).

His love for teaching the Humanities sparked a lifelong passion for travel. Walter proudly visited all seven continents, collecting artwork from around the world and sharing stories and treasures with family and friends. Known as the "ultimate tour guide," he delighted in showing his "travel buddies" the wonders of the world.

When travel became more difficult, Walter found joy in simple pleasures-playing cards with friends, forming a wine club, participating in a play-reading group, and loudly enjoying audiobooks. After moving to Carbondale, he found spiritual support and community at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. He especially cherished keeping in touch with his grandchildren in California through FaceTime calls, photos and videos, and he became a special part of Molly's daily FaceTime calls on her "movies," often fielding many calls from her throughout the day.

Walter's family is deeply grateful for the loving care he received over the past three years from Winnie Howell and her team of caregivers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ann Weatherly, and favorite aunts - Dorothy Huskey, Bea Blair and Mildred Wheeler. His brother, John Bennie Shipley, of Oliver Springs, TN survives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Nicholas Brewing Co. at the Southern Illinois Airport on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 2-4pm. All family and friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carbondale Public Library, in Walter's memor