Gary DeWayne Shipe

The Lord opened his arms and embraced Gary DeWayne Shipe, 47, at his Amherst home on Sunday, March 2, 2014 after an ongoing battle with cancer. He showed much strength, bravery and ambition. He is an inspiration to all and will be deeply missed.

DeWayne was born on October 9, 1966. He graduated from Charlottesville High School and served in the US Army, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. He received many awards and honors, including becoming a member of the Border Legion. He was a very dedicated employee at Verizon Wireless for more than 20 years.

DeWayne was extremely knowledgeable about vehicles and guns, among other things. He enjoyed spending time with friends, helping others, making people laugh, providing for his family and teaching his daughter all he knew. His ‘little squirt’ brought much joy to his life. He also spent time reading, drawing, cooking, building guns, working on cars and riding his motorcycle. DeWayne had a passion for the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He often referred to his grandparents farm in WV as an escape from reality.

DeWayne was preceded in death by grandparents Brown and Norma Mathias Shipe, uncles Durwood Shipe and Michael Whetzel and brother-in-law Jonathan Brochu.

DeWayne is survived by his devoted wife, Jessica Brochu Shipe, of 11 years and their sweet daughter Natalie Michelle; his loving parents Gary and Kay Shipe of Waynesboro; sister Elizabeth Seigler and husband Wesley of Reedville; grandparents Alvin and Freida Whetzel of Mathias, WV; uncles John Wayne Shipe and Malcolm Whetzel (Sheila Hupp); aunts Lana Allison (Roger Prophet) and Anita Caldwell; cousins Edd Allison and Jakson Caldwell; nieces Jordan, Morgan and Megan Drumheller and nephews Jesse Brochu and Jason Drumheller. He is also survived by his in-laws, Joe and Barbara Brochu of Esmont; sister-in-law Jennifer Drumheller and husband Randy and brother-in-law, Joe Brochu, as well as many close longtime friends.

A memorial service with military honors by American legion Post 16 will be held a 2:00pm on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston with Pastor A.C. Smith officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Johns Hopkins Medicine, c/o Marie Jo Corry, 100 N Charles St #223, Baltimore, MD 21201, noting "In Loving Memory of Gary DeWayne Shipe/Joseph Herman Pancreas Research" or to a trust fund that will be established for Natalie at PO Box 711, Scottsville, VA 24590 if desired.