Robert Grant "Red" Shipley of Orange County peacefully passed away Saturday night, Oct. 6, 2007, at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, with family by his side.
He was the son of the late Allison L. and Oma Huff Shipley. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Shipley; and a sister, Jewell S. Gooch.
Red was one of Orange County's best-known citizens with more than 50 years in the radio broadcasting industry.
Born in Johnson City, Tenn., Red's younger years were filled with listening to bluegrass and country music greats such as Bill Monroe, Ralph and Carter Stanley and Mac Wiseman.
From those early childhood years, Red never wanted to be anything but a country-music disk jockey.
The Shipley family moved to Orange County following World War II. Red attended Orange County schools, and began the career he always wanted by broadcasting Orange County High School football games on local radio station WJMA before he graduated in 1956.
Within three years of graduation, Red had moved to WPRW in Manassas, where he quickly became one of Northern Virginia's most popular morning-ride DJs.
The career ladder then took Red to Warrenton and Big K Country. Big K became one of the top-five-rated country radio stations during Red's tenure. Red's time at Big K brought much national recognition and an appearance on the popular Hee Haw television show.
From Big K, Red went to WPIK in Alexandria, where he was both the morning-ride DJ and program manager. Red ended his first radio career following his time at WPIK, but during that time he developed his first bluegrass show, which eventually led him to his 25-year career as host of "Stained Glass Bluegrass".
In 1982, Red was called on to host the show on WAMU on a temporary basis.
Red moved back to Orange and radio broadcasting in 1995. He returned to regular DJ duties with WJMA. With a special arrangement with WAMU in Alexandria, Red continued to broadcast "Stained Glass Bluegrass" from Orange.
Red suffered a major stroke two years ago that left him paralyzed on his right side. Unable to continue as morning DJ at WJMA, Red continued as host of "Stained Glass Bluegrass."
Red remained the host of "Stained Glass Bluegrass" for more than 25 years, which was his goal following the stroke. His last show as host was broadcast three weeks prior to his passing on Sunday, Sept. 16.
"Stained Glass Bluegrass" was a very special labor of love for Red and it brought him much satisfaction and acclaim.
The International Bluegrass Music Association presented Red his highest honor, Broadcaster of the Year in 2006. The East Coast Bluegrass Association presented him with a special recognition award for his 25 years of hosting "Stained Glass Bluegrass" in August of this year in a ceremony Red was able to attend.
Red leaves behind a loving family. Survivors include two sons and two daughters, Robert Bradley Shipley of Orange, Christy Ann Wise and her companion, Tim Clarke, of Spotsylvania County, Cynthia Page Shipley and her companion, Milton Maxton, of Louisa County and Jeffrey Grant Shipley and his wife, Gail, of Gordonsville. His grandchildren include Matthew Ryan Wise and Angela Nicole Wise of Spotsylvania and "Scooter" Lee Shipley of Gordonsville. Special cousin Ralph Smith and his wife, Lilly, also survive.
A family night will be held at Preddy Funeral Home, Gordonsville, from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11.
A funeral will be held at the funeral home at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12. Burial will be private.
The family requests that those wishing to make a memorial contribution should send them in Red's name to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, 207 East Second St., Owensboro, Ky. 42303. The institution is devoted to preserving the history of bluegrass music.