George Linwood SHIPP

“LEE, Uncle LEE”

MY Dad, MY Father, MY Best Friend

Some people called him George, others called him Lee, but I had the great pleasure to call him my Dad. He truly was a great soul; he was my rock, my firm and stern when it was needed. Dad was my first fishing buddy, best friend, and best man at my wedding. I work hard every day to try to fill his shoes. He was the kindest man you could ever meet. He would offer you the clothes off his back if you needed them. He set the bar as a father figure and a dad. He was a happy and devoted husband of 60 years, sharing endless love and happiness with my mom. She was his best friend, through thick and thin, they made marriage look easy. Although my wife and I only have 21 years invested, we can only wish to have what they had. He loved all creatures big and small, but most of all he loved “GOD”, mom, and all his family. He lived his 90 years of life to its fullest from a small boy running the streets of downtown Norfolk, to the farm fields of the countryside. He lived and witnessed the ups and down from the Great Depression, World Wars, groundbreaking historical breakthrough moments like: the refrigerator, invention of the TV and cars, First Man on the Moon, Vinyl records, DVDs, and the Internet. He loved nature and adventures, fishing, and hunting and so much more. Dad loved spending quality time with my brothers, sister, kids, and family, but most all, his grandchildren. I, like everyone, will cherish the memories, love, and happiness that we were gratefully given and blessed to have with him. He loved working with his hands from building canoes and wood working with Eric, the grandkids and me. He worked on and owned a Cessna and Piper J3 Cub. He loved watching Mike and I run cross-country, track meets, and playing our instruments. Mike, the great guitarist, and me beating on pots and pans, his little drummer boy. Most of all he loved his kids and grandkids. They made him so proud. He was present for the piano performances, bike races, fishing trips, soccer, and baseball games. He really enjoyed Nerf Gun fights when he went into “gangster mode”. Everyone he met; he left a great impression on them. He would be there physically for all the graduations and weddings if he could, but he will be there spiritually. He would have loved to help walk Madison down the aisle. He will be looking over Madison and Hunter from above with all the angels on their special day and through their many years of marriage to follow.

I remember so many loving memories, the times Eric, Amy, Dad, and I spent camping and fishing. The times Uncle James, Big Daddy and all our cousins would spend waiting for that dove to fly across the corn field or deer to cross the road. Dad would say, wait for it, now what are you are waiting for, take the shot. The times spent teaching the kids and grandkids how to bait the hook, aim, focus, and shoot the BB gun, to molding them into tough, but loving children.

Dad leaves a legacy of family and friends with loving memories, good times, and lots of happiness.

To my loving father, dad, and best friend. We will always love and cherish the time we had with you here on Earth. Until we meet again.

Love, your loving son Steven.