Phillip R. Shippee

Phillip R. Shippee, 88, of Peoria, Arizona passed away peacefully at home July 11, 2023. A funeral with military honors will be held September 9 at 1:00 PM at Riverview Cemetery, Wilmington, Vermont. Phillip was born July 11, 1935 to Raymond and Dorothy Shippee. Phillip graduated in 1954 from Wilmington High School in Wilmington, Vermont where he was a basketball star. Following graduation, Phillip enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served for 28 years. Phillip was united in marriage with the love of his life, Norma in 1968. Phillip’s AIr Force career included aircraft mechanic, Crew Chief on the B52 bomber and a maintenance supervisor with the MX missile program. During his years of service, Phillip received many distinguished awards. After retirement, he went on to work for Boeing as a project manager which led to working on life support systems on the International Space Station. Phillip had a larger than life personality, you always knew when he walked in the room. He was the life of the party with a wonderful sense of humor and a loud laugh to go along with it. He was known for his catchphrase, “I told you guys”. Many of his coworkers would mimic it back to him. His military career took him all over the world, including 2 years in Guam where he arrived with a Cadillac and returned with a Beetle bug. This created a lot of laughter amongst his friends. Phillip loved his family dearly. He enjoyed dancing, card games and watching races. Phillip was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife Norma, Peoria, AZ, Children: Donna Shippee,Kokomo, IN, Dana (Linda) Shippee, Bradenton, FL, Jason (Sarah) Shippee,Davenport, IA. Grandchildren: Kyle (Jessica), Jennifer (Joe), Ellyse, Madalyn, Austin and Mason. Sister: (Raelene(“Tinker”), Nottingham, NH, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Dorothy, a sister Jackie and his mother and father in law.