Mr. Keith Wayne Shipman

Adams announces the passing of Mr. Keith Wayne Shipman, 70, who transitioned on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at his Residence surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, February 15, 2024 in the Adams Chapel.

Viewing will be held from 4 PM to 6 PM Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in the Adams Chapel.

We will be trimming these services on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCiGPiESYTMnjl85IATFl1Pw

Interment: 9 AM Monday, February 19, 2024 at Beaufort National Cemetery.

OBITUARY:

Keith Wayne Shipman was born on June 22, 1953 in Oakland, California to Carl

and Mary H. Shipman. Keith, affectionately called “Dewayne” entered into God’s

eternal care on Wednesday, February 7 of 2024, peacefully, in his home surrounded

by those who loved him most.

His early years were spent in Camden, Arkansas with his maternal grandmother

and aunt. He returned to Oakland as a teenager with dreams and aspirations of

becoming an engineer. He was a member of the ROTC at Oakland Technical High

School where he graduated in 1971. He studied to become an engineer, but soon

decided to join the military.

Keith enlisted in the United States Army in 1973. He was a highly-decorated,

commendable soldier earning the rank of Staff Sergeant before his 20-year

retirement. He earned many certificates and medals. He served in Germany, Korea

and Desert Storm.

He met the love of his life, Valdoria, in 1985 and together they raised their son,

Rashod, who has patterned his life to be so very similar to his dad’s. Keith was

blessed to have two grandchildren whom he adored, Madison and Rashod.

After Staff Sergeant Shipman retired from the Army, he soon grew restless and

enrolled in college at Armstrong University in Savannah, Georgia, attending

nursing classes. In addition, he started his second career working for the City of

Savannah where he excelled in many different positions such as an EMT, Deputy

City Marshall, and as a Code and Zoning Inspector.

As a family man, Dewayne was the life of the party. He was an avid spades and

chess player. He always kept his front lawn’s appearance immaculate. Even though

he was undergoing treatment in December, he scaled a ladder to trim his shrubbery

in preparation for Christmas decorations. Now... he couldn’t boil a pot of water in

the kitchen, but he could throw down on the grill. He loved to put a big T-bone

steak on the grill, and maybe a slab of ribs. Dewayne loved his grandchildren and

got so much joy out of watching them grow into young adults.

In the latter part of his life, he seemed to have settled into retirement at last. He got

great enjoyment out of traveling and greatly appreciated his home life. Meeting

deadlines had become a thing of the past. He found enjoyment and contentment in

his day to day. A stone unturned had not been part of his life plan.

Keith Wayne Shipman is preceded in death by his parents, Carl L. Shipman and

Mary H. Shipman and siblings, Carl L. Howard and Heidi M. Parker (Dallas).

Left to cherish his memories and love are his wife, Valdoria Shipman; his son,

Rashod Evans; granddaughter, Madison Lillian Evans; grandson, Rashod Michael

Evans, all of Savannah, Georgia. He also leaves behind his maternal aunt, JoAnn

Howard; his sisters, Janice Shipman and Carolyn Shipman of California; brother,

Michael Shipman (Sharon) of Florida, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews,

cousins and friends.