Richard G. Shipley, 81 of Centralia, passed from this life on June 29, 2024.
He was born in Flora, IL on October 30, 1942, to Thomas and Irma (Armstrong) Shipley who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his two older brothers Darwin and Jack. On August 13, 1966, he married Carol Sisson of Centralia who passed away on October 29,1999. He married Cathy Stevenson on July 9, 2005, and she survives in Centralia.
He is survived by four children, their spouses and 11 grandchildren: Rick Shipley and wife Tanya of Inlet Beach, Florida and children Allyson, Tyler and Madyson; Reid Shipley and wife Shannon of Centralia and children Ryan and Caleb and wife Miranda (Gray); Renae Killion and husband Bryon of Okawville and children Brendan, Carter and Avery; and Tonya Meadows and husband Curtis of O’Fallon and children Paxton, Emery and Crue. In addition, he is survived by many other loving family members and friends.
Richard was a graduate of Flora (IL) High School, St. Louis Christian College and Southern Illinois University. He taught in the public school system for many years. Richard was the minister for Youngs Chapel Christian Church for 15 plus years, served as Youth Director of Hickory Street Christian Church and was manager of Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in his early years. He also assisted with the implementation of both Greenview Christian Church and New Horizon Christian School in Centralia. He retired from the State of Illinois after serving for 17 years.
Richard was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments and achievements. He was a fan of southern gospel music and enjoyed Centralia Orphan Basketball. Richard was a Christian.
Funeral Services for Richard Shipley will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 10:00 am at Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia and on Wednesday morning from 9:00 am to the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora IL, Centralia High School Booster Club, Calumet Street Christian Church, or to Youngs Chapel Christian Church and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Shipley Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.