Tommy Lee Shipman, 71, of Pisgah Forest, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 25, 2025.

He was born on December 20, 1953, in Brevard, NC. Tommy was a big man with a big heart and a big personality. He loved his family, friends, Harley-Davidson's, football and the Big Empty Farm. Most days he could be found on his RTV with his dog Bella right by his side, checking cattle.

Tommy attended Penrose Elementary School, Brevard Middle School, and graduated from Brevard High School in 1972. He was well known in the sports of football and wrestling. He worked at DuPont for 30 years. Additionally, he proudly served his community and devoted many years to Little River Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Julia Shipman, his father and mother-in-law Ansel and Alma Merrill, brothers-in-law, Ansel "Baker" Merrill, Jerry Emerson, and Joe Crane, and great niece, McKenna Brock.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Linda Shipman; son Luther Shipman (Missy); daughter Angela Tilley; granddaughters, Amber Ramer, Ashley Ramer, Krista Padgett (Kohl); sisters, Ada Crane, and Darlene Gillespie (Larry); brother, William Shipman (Diane); aunts, Louise Shelton, Shirley Shipman, and Hazel Deitz; brother-in-law, Jerry Merrill (Le), sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Emerson and Pat Merrill; nephews, Dale Crane, Justin Shipman, Brian Merrill (Joan), Alex Merrill, Jeff Merrill (Susan), Joe Merrill (Vicki), Nathan Emerson (Jenny), Eric Emerson (Michelle); nieces Charlene Cali (Chris), Elaine Hauss (Wilson), Crystal McCall (Ernie), Teresa Bryson (Vernon), Missy Brock (Jason), Crystal Merrill; as well as several great nieces and nephews who cherished their time with him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Little River Baptist Church starting at 12 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Marc Reynolds and Rev. Ben Brown officiating. The graveside service and final resting place will follow at Little River Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.