William Henry "Bill" Shipley

Memorial services for William Henry “Bill” Shipley, 90, of Owasso, OK, were held Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Chapel in Sperry, OK. Phil Johnson officiated.

Bill was born October 11, 1933, in Tulsa, OK, to Leo Lawrence Shipley and Opal Marion (Westrope) Shipley. He passed away November 11, 2023, in Owasso, OK.

Bill began his career as a field and shop mechanic, and later was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor at Sun Oil refinery in Tulsa. Before his retirement, after taking dancing lessons at Arthur Murray Studios, Bill and Athline entered the Senior Olympics Waltz Competition where they each won a gold medal for their waltz. They enjoyed dancing until Bill's health started to decline, and he could no longer wear his cowboy boots with his braces. After retirement, Bill and Athline enjoyed camping during the winter months, first in Arizona, second in Southern California, where Bill and Athline actually worked together to maintain the campground, and third in Carlsbad, NM. Outside of work, Bill devoted his time to fishing, rebuilding vintage cars, or working on various woodworking projects. His most cherished moments included quality time spent with his grandkids and leisurely moments on the porch, with a cold brew in his hand. 

He is survived by his wife, Athline Shipley; sons, Tom Shipley, Mike Shipley, and David Shipley; grandchildren, Jennifer Moore, and Crystal Lakey; great-grandchildren, Trinity Lakey and Cameron Lakey; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandsons, Wesley Shipley, and Jesse Shipley; parents, Leo and Opal Shipley; and sister, Martha Lou Strickland.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.