Ronald Pressly Shipman, aged 88, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024, in Carrollton, Texas. A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Ron touched the lives of many who knew him.

Born on August 22, 1935, in Climax, Texas, near Princeton, Ron was the son of the late Pressly and Evelyn Lee (Martin) Shipman. He was raised in McKinney, Texas, where he attended Boyd High School—a wonderful setting for his childhood, shared with his brother Gary. The brothers have many fond memories of their youth in McKinney. At the end of his 11th grade year, Ron moved to Dallas to continue his education at Crozier Tech, where he started teaching dance lessons. He notably taught actress Greer Garson, preparing her for a movie role.

Ron entered active duty in the Navy in June 1955, after completing a year in the reserves, serving aboard the USS Philippine Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean. His duties took him from California to bases in Hawaii and Japan. It was in Hawaii where he first encountered the folk music of Stan Wilson, whose performances ignited Ron's passion for music, prompting him to learn to sing and play the guitar. He was honorably discharged from military service in Japan in May 1957.

Ron is credited with opening the first coffeehouse music venue outside of California and New York. The Rubaiyat, which he opened in Dallas on January 24, 1959, at 3133 McKinney Avenue, became a significant part of early Dallas music history. Named after the poetry of Omar Khayyam, the coffeehouse hosted many musicians who would go on to national fame. In 1962, Ron was named the best male vocalist in Dallas.

After running the Rubaiyat for a decade, Ron continued his music career by traveling across the country and performing with the well-known singer and musician Rusty Draper on the west coast. He maintained lifelong friendships from his childhood and the Rubaiyat years, spanning over 65 years. An avid reader and insatiably curious, Ron relished discussions on music, art, philosophy, religion, and ancient cultures.

Ron retired in 2006 and settled in the early Texas pioneer community of Forest Grove near Lucas/Allen, where his Fitzhugh, Snider, Coffey, and Martin ancestors had settled as early as 1835. He continued to work on his lifetime of works in poetry and music and performed live in his later years.

Survivors include his younger brother, Gary Shipman, and wife Barbara of Frisco, Texas; nieces Loren Shipman of Richardson, Texas and Kim (Shipman) Marcom of Shady Shores, Texas; nephew Sayle Shipman of Little Elm, Texas; great-nieces Devon (Bailey) Pierce, Madison Stark, and Mackenzie Stark; great-nephews Keenan Godburn, Jack Stark, Austin Godburn, and Gavin Shipman; and great-grand-nephews Damron Pierce, Emmitt Stark, and Everett Stark.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Pressly and Evelyn Lee (Martin) Shipman. He will be interred and memorialized at Fitzhugh Cemetery in Lucas, Texas. The family will hold a private memorial service.

Cards or letters can be sent in care of his niece, Loren Shipman, at 1902 Chestnut Hill Lane, Richardson, TX 75082.