Bruce Earl Shipman, 85, of Henderson County, passed away peacefully at the Elizabeth House, Friday April 21, 2023.
Bruce was a lifelong native of Hendersonville, NC where he owned & operated several businesses and raised his family.
A furniture broker for many years with discriminating taste he worked with clients throughout the Southeast. Bruce not only sold furniture but advised his clients on quality, styles and trends in the furniture world. Many times Bruce would spend the day with his customers at the High Point Furniture Market, where they received a guided tour plus the ever colorful narration and storytelling provided by Bruce.
Having a booth at the Hendersonville Curb Market for the last 3 years Bruce turned his second love of custom woodworking and carving into a business where he dazzled customers from Charleston, SC to Los Angeles, CA with his work as well as his stories rich in the history of Henderson County, and its many citizens.
Bruce’s creativity could be seen in his landscape and gardening as well. He had a wealth of plant knowledge and his well designed yard was always meticulous and beautiful.
Across WNC & SC Bruce was mostly known for his love of golf where he often left much younger opponents scratching their heads in amazement as to how a man of his age left them lighter in the wallet and beaten on the scorecard. Bruce took pride in giving instructions to anyone with a true interest in improving their golf game. He especially enjoyed instructing his grandchildren plus other family members.
Bruce was a happy man and sharing his stories and tall tales not only brought him great joy,but to those around him. Many who knew Bruce never knew the hard, early life he had endured, and how he overcame adversity and to go on and bring so much laughter, joy and happiness to others! Those who knew Bruce will always remember his joyful and kind spirit, his storytelling and infectious smile!
Bruce will be missed by many but especially his family.
Cherishing his loving memory are his 5 children and nine grandchildren.Daughters; Melanie S. Pace and her husband John L. Pace of Flat Rock, NC, Melissa L. Bates of Cave Creek, AZ; Miranda L. Shipman and her husband R. Shane Shipman of Hilton Head, SC. Sons; Jeffrey B. Shipman of Flat Rock, NC and Norman L. Miller of Flat Rock, NC. Grandchildren; J. Derrick Pace, L. Ellis Pace, Katherine Pace of Flat Rock, NC; William Bates, Cooper Bates of Cave Creek, AZ; Kaitlyn Shipman of Charlotte, NC; , Stella Shipman of Hilton Head, SC; Harper Shipman and Brandon Shipman of Flat Rock, NC.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 at three o’clock in the afternoonat St. John’s in the Wilderness in Flat Rock, NC.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to:Hendersonville Humane Society.
Condolence cards may be sent to: The Shipman Family : Post Office 124 Flat Rock, NC 28731