Ryan Steven Shipley

Ryan Steven Shipley, 49, of Hendersonville, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025. He fought a courageous battle with melanoma cancer and won the battle early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025, with his family by his side. Ryan called this, “just a bump in the road”.

He was predeceased by his father, Roger Steven Shipley; his maternal grandparents, Mark and Wilma Moore; his paternal grandparents, Major Lee Shipley Jr and Rosalee Hines.

Ryan was a native of Henderson County and a graduate of East Henderson High School. He attended Western Carolina. He received his Associate degree in Applied Science in the studies of Mortuary Science from Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA. He was the recipient of the Daniel E. Buchanan Award for outstanding service and Master Artist to the honorary fraternity, Pi Sigma Eta. He was a Funeral Director in Atlanta, GA before returning to Henderson County and the local area to continue in the funeral service industry for over 20 years.

If you knew him, you know he was a gentle giant, with a heart full of compassion, joy and love. He loved his family and friends and never met a stranger.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Cathy and Mark Ware; sister, Addie Huggins; stepsister, Christy Powell (Eric); stepbrother, Joseph Ware (Makayla); a large family of uncles, aunts, and cousins; William Huffstetler and many extended friends.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in The Chapel in The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.Memorial donations can be made to Four Season Compassion for Life 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Hwy Hendersonville, NC 28792.

The family has entrusted Jackson Funeral Service with the arrangement.