Roger Shifflett

Roger Shifflett, of Woodbridge, VA, passed away November 30, 2022 aftger a long illness. Roger lived in Woodbridge for 13 years, but also lived in Hampton, VA, Ewa Beach, HI, Manassas, VA, Tehachapi, CA, Lancaster, CA, Spokane, WA, Denver, CO, Okinawa, Japan, Sacramento, CA and Crozet, VA. He was a member of Mt Moriah Methodist Church in Crozet, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents Louise and Carl Shifflett, brother William (Monty) Shifflett, son William Mumford and brothers-in-law Paul Fontenot and Carroll Herring. He is survived by his spouse, Darlene Shifflett; sisters, Judy Herring and Kathy Fontenot of Virginia; sons, Tobin Shifflett (Anne Marie) of Florida, Ryan Shifflett (Andrea Peterson) of Virginia; Christina Grover (James) of Oklahoma, Stacy Shifflett-Staves of Washington; grandchildren, Robert (Bobby) King, Thomas (Tommy) Baisley, Nancy Warrender, Cory Thomas, Nicole Ems, Nicole Lemus, Alex Miller, Angela Shifflett, Nicholas Jones, Saskya Shifflett, Cheyenne Shifflett, Brooke Mullay, William Shifflett, Nathanial Shifflett and numerous great grandchildren. Roger was born and raised in Albemarle County, VA and graduated from Albemarle High School. His most influential teacher and Principal was Dr. Hurt, who greeted each child by name through adulthood over the lifetime he spent at Albemarle High School. Each child was worthy of respect, kindness and full of potential. Dr. Hurt was a beloved attendee at high school reunions for many years. Roger’s childhood in the country instilled a strong work ethic. He picked peaches at Chiles Peach Orchard every summer, drove a school bus, and helped in the abundant family garden. He fondly remembered the flavor of carrots, radishes, turnips, even young potatoes pulled fresh from dirt and Carrie Walton’s (Granny) fresh cooked green beans with ham hocks. Sunday dinners were a family tradition passed down through generations. Elbow-to-elbow, relatives shared their week’s news and enjoyed friendly banter, all the while Granny’s country cooking soothed and smoothed the soul, nourishing mind and body. Granny’s coconut cake was legendary and her house cozy. Roger’s brother Monty and his wife Joan surprised Roger on his 50th birthday with Granny’s coconut cake in tow. They flew from Virginia to California without incident until the landing at LAX. That landing was so hard the cake within the box his brother so carefully held lovingly on his lap, slid forward, producing a flat side to an otherwise round double layered cake. In true tribute to Granny, who would have repaired with gentle reshaping, we repaired and enjoyed every crumb of that beautiful coconut cake! Our family will continue the Sunday dinner tradition as we have enjoyed many special gatherings, mostly around the dinner table. Conversations, banter, laughter, sharing, more laughter, feelings of comfort and security, and a sense of belonging. The dinner table has always been a welcome site in our home. Sons Tobin and Ryan regularly brought friends home for dinner. When their friends stay in touch, it speaks volumes. Roger served in the Air Force from 1961to 1983 (with a 2 year break) as an Avionic Technician. His career spanned the O-2, F-111A, B52H, B-1 and B-2. He was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Kadena Air Base, Okinawa; Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington; and Edwards Air Force Base, California where he was a member of a B-52 test program. Then, he became part of the B-1 and B-2 test programs, retired from the Air Force after 20 years, began a second career with Boeing Military Aircraft. His daughters Christina and Stacy were born at Kadena Air Base and he had warm special memories of that time in his life. Roger was a gentleman, a necessary attribute to his line of work in the Air Force. He was the trainer for the first female Avionics Technician in the B-52 program. He forged a friendship that lasted over 50 years. Diane married and we stood up for them. We married and they stood up for us. A deep and special friendship is one he held dear. Thank you, Grif and Diane for being in his life. After Roger retired from Boeing, we moved to Northern Virginia. Roger was fully retired! He participated in Senior Olympics and medaled in all the events he entered. He loved to play golf so he worked at General’s Ridge Golf Course in Manassas, played with his league there and especially enjoyed the annual Men’s Golf Retreat at Shenvalee Golf Resort. He supported Breast Cancer Tournaments the Ladies’ League hosted as well as numerous charitable tournaments throughout the area. His wife’s last permanent assignment was at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Roger’s favorite place! He drank his morning coffee sitting on a sandy beach, played golf across the island and discovered 6-man canoe paddling. It became a wonderful pastime and gave him many favored memories. He became proficient and competed on the Men’s Team, and eventually became club President. His legacy is the annual Kamahao Relay Race, a race loved by many paddlers. It is said he set the foundation of Kamahao Canoe Club as it is today. He was thankful that he could become part of the paddling community and especially Kamahao Canoe Club. Beautiful people, beautiful setting, wonderful memories! Roger welcomed many into his home. Early on, there were four children from Alaska who joined our family circle. He did not complain. Then there was another and another. He did not complain. His heart was open and full of acceptance, warmth and welcome. Heartfelt gratitude to Home Instead (Caregiver Debhor Berkeley), Kyle Fienhage, Saskya Shifflett, and Nancy Warrender. Debhor Berkeley gave her all to ensure his health and safety. Kyle Fienhage gave his undivided attention and continuous presence, muscle and humor. Saskya Shifflett, thank you for your presence and attention during some of his most difficult times. He always said, “Love you, baby girl. Be safe.” Nancy, thank you for your attentive care and good humor. The family is grateful to Capital Caring Hospice Service for their exceptional attention to Roger’s needs. With their guidance, we were able to address Roger’s passing as he wished. Roger espoused the tenets of dignity of aging as well as the dignity of dying. The Five Wishes Organization inspired by Mother Theresa was most helpful as we addressed the next step in life. He will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the American Cancer Society of America.

Tributes

Roger Shifflett

November 30, 2022