George "Bo" Shipes

George Wayman “Bo” Shipes, age 75, of Hazlehurst passed away Friday, September 25, 2026 at Memorial Health in Savannah.

Mr. Bo was born May 24, 1951, in Bacon County to the late Dock Shipes and the late Mamie Lunnette Rogers Shipes. He retired from Hazlehurst Mills with 50 years of service as an industrial mechanic. He was a member of Oakland Baptist Church and a veteran of the United States Army.

Mr. Bo will be remembered as a man of affectionate calmness and a gift for humor, qualities that made him a comfort to friends and family alike. His gentle demeanor and ability to share lightness in any situation created a welcoming presence.

Beyond his personal warmth, Mr. Bo had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the quiet satisfaction of fishing and the challenge and tradition of hunting. He also found joy in shooting pool.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Fay Hewett Shipes and a sister, Barbara Carter.

Survivors include his daughters, Dianne (Seyi) Adebayo, Tina (Frankie) Bennett, and Tammy (Bobby) Miller; grandchildren, Cortney McLendon, Seth (Kayia) McLendon, Ethan Sellers, Brett (Lindsey) Reffner, Jesse Miller, Devin (Cassie) Sellers, Hannah Adebayo, and Haylee Miller; great grandchildren, Liam Bomar, Anakin Bomar, James Sellers, George McLendon, Fisher Hyder, and Walker Hyder; sister, Jeanie (Larry) Lewis; his boys, Maverick & Shadow; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. at Oakland Baptist Church. Rev. Royce Hulett will officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Chad Rogers, Farrell Thornton, Dustin Ellis, Jamie Keene, Chris Parlor, and Brandon Parlor.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Sellers, Ray Harrell, Mike Watson, Aaron Hicks, Russell Browning, Tim Roberson, Dean Norris, and the Senior Adult Sunday School Class of Oakland Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland Baptist Church Children’s Department for Mr. Bo’s Candy Fund.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the direction of Swain Funeral Home Hazlehurst Chapel.