Richard Shipper passed away on August 30, 2024 at age 58. The Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor Steve Delashmit, is 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN. Interment in Wilson County Memorial will follow the service. Family will serve as Pallbearers. The family will be receiving friends at Sellars Funeral Home on Monday from 4-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m.
Richard Neal Shipper was born in Lebanon TN to Oleta Sandlin Shipper and Elwin Neal Shipper. He served as a Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He was a demolition expert and was a decorated sharpshooter. In civilian life, he worked as Body Shop Manager for Shippers Collision. Richard loved adventure and he was at home on the water. He was an excellent swimmer. Richard enjoyed water skiing, scuba diving, and taking his father’s Cris Craft boat “The Lucky Lady” out for a day on the water. Woodworking and golf were also favorite activities. Richard had been baptized at Southside Baptist Church in 1982.
Richard is survived by his parents, Oleta and Neal Shipper; life-long partner: Fonda Rhodes; sister: Hillary Shipper; nieces: Elizabeth Burkart and Jordan Burkart; aunts and uncles: Don (Donna) Sandlin, Evelyn Davis, Charline Smith, Don (Laleta) Shipper, and James (Joanne) Shipper, and Janet (Charlie) Hall; special aunt: Carlene Sandlin; special cousins: Donald Shipper, Julie Smith, William Shipper, and Nathan Shipper; many beloved cousins; and mother-in-law: Lynna Jackman. He is preceded in death by grandparents Mary and Howell Sandlin and Thelma and Charlie Shipper, and special great aunt and uncle Lorene and George “Boss” Shipper.
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations to Wounded Warriors and/or Country K-9 Rescue. Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
