Harold Lee Shipley, 89, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021. He was appointed by Mayor Randy Tyree to a four-year term as city safety director in 1981, putting him in charge of both KPD and KFD during the World’s Fair. The position was later abolished with chiefs of both departments reporting directly to the mayor.
Mr. Shipley began his career in law enforcement with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in Kingsport. He became a KPD patrol officer in 1959. He served two tours of duty as a military police officer, and from 1960-72 was claims manager for Shelby Mutual Insurance Co. From 1972-81, he owned an independent insurance agency in Knoxville.
He was a member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden for 62 years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lois Blakley of Kingsport, and three children. Additional obituary information is here.
Because of Covid, there will be no receiving of friends. Mr. Shipley will be buried at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway.