Reece Shipley

Uncle Reece was one of the funniest men I ever knew. He always had a joke , a smile , and some little tune he just whimsically made up on a moments notice about anything. I miss him dearly. He was the one who inspired me musically, professionally, and morally. He was crazy about his family although, his mistress was his music which took him away on many occasions. He followed in the footsteps of our Native American Ancestors where music,family, dance and life was not just a passion but a way of living. My daddy used to tell me tales about how Uncle Reece would get out of plowing with the mules, by getting to play his guitar on the front porch with Grandma & Grandpa(Opha & G.H. shipley) As they were musicians in their own right whom used to play with the Carter Family at the A.P. Carter store. Come to think of it everybody in our family had some musical talent of some sort or another.As Uncle Reese would say jokingly, "You are musical, if you have a nose , you could pick it or you could blow it.!" EEEWWW! He sure had a funny sense of humor. I sure miss Christmas time when Uncle Reece would bring us some of his homemade jams/jellies & honey right out of his garden and peach orchard. The visit always included an entertaining to say the least song about something ,someone or a tall tale about one of his most recent musical adventures. We as little kids would sit around the table with Star-gazed eyes in Awe at the legend before us. He always put me in charge of handling and watching over his beloved dogs when our family would all go together on hunting trips. I learned more about nature and animals just by watching the gentleness,respect, and compassion of that man in action in his element. My father( Jesse) & he were inseparable as brothers. It was fun to watch the two of them interact as well. They loved each other dearly and were like two little kids when thrown together. Yes, sometimes they even had disagreements just like brothers do , but even those were entertaining by the way they reminisced about the good ole days or when they nit-picked with each other. Sooner or later, the event was susceptible to a song by Uncle Reese. He made life fun and entertaining by his spirit of adventure. To this day I still enjoy listening to his records and playing them for my two year old son ( Jesse Robert GoodElk Shipley) whom also happens to be a musician. A drummer. He loves to dance and try to play along with "Grandpa Reece" already. I know Uncle Reese and my family are smiling down on him knowing that in his blood, he too, already feels the rhythm and has that musical itch that sometimes can't be scratched. He is good Looking too! Boy am I gonna be in trouble when he gets older .HAHAHA :) Well here is a tribute to all Musicians from past to present: May you leave no musical stone unturned , may your road be winding with excitement and your records all be burned. May the musical notes be filled with emotion and sent from Grace, May Creator bless you and put a wonderful happy smile across your face. Play with enthusiasm as if it were your last chance, may you fill the auditoriums with people who love your music and want to dance.Always Play from your heart and play from your soul, because remember traveling that life of music you love on the road takes it's toll. Dream your passion, set your goal,believe in yourself my friend,Dont fall through the hole. We will be waiting on you, here my friend , because no matter what we as your musical family will always love you till the very end.
With much Love & Respect- "Mitakuye Oyasin"(To All MY Relations)
Wado(Thank You),
Christina D. Shipley
(TowodaPita)
towoda_pita@bellsouth.net