Our dear father, Leon Shipp (Doody, Shoe, Boat, Van) 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023, with this family by his side, in Mount Holly, NC. He was born September 30, 1942, in Gastonia, NC. He was the son of the late Williams James Odell and Christine Bright Shipp.

Leon married his favorite girl, Aleine Link Shipp, on October 2, 1962. She preceded him in death in March 2013. Together, they had six children. After graduating from Reid High School in 1960, Leon attended truck driving school. In addition, he obtained an Associate Degree in Applied Science in 1983. He retired in 1999 as a truck driver.

His family will remember him as a man who enjoyed music, dancing, laughter, and most importantly, family, He was the greatest storyteller and would often say, "I will talk to a tree as long as it doesn't talk back." He showed his courage in facing life's challenges with positivity. "There is more than one way to skin a cat." He kept people rolling in laughter until the end because he could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances.

Mr. Leon Shipp was preceded in death by his two sons, Leon Stanford Shipp and Rodrick Lamont Shipp; his grandson, Sheldon Sherill; brother, Leonard Shipp and two sisters, Ruby Graham and Lucille Moore.

Leon leaves behind four children, Sherry Shipp of Gastonia, Derita Robinson, Timmy Shipp, both of Mt. Holly, NC and Patrice Weekley (Robert) of Gaffney, SC. He is vividly remembered as "Paw Paw' by 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Robert Shipp of Seattle, WA, and three sisters, Florence Sherrill of Gastonia, NC, Joyce McDowell and Doris Hicks, both of Stanley, NC. Leon will be remembered as "Uncle Doody" to a host of nieces and nephews. All of these he loved and touched deeply.