Rayburn L. Shipp served in the U.S. Army.
Deputy Sheriff Rayburn Shipp was shot and killed with his own service weapon while he and a state trooper transported three prisoners from the Hunt County Jail to the diagnostic unit in Huntsville. When they arrived at the diagnostic unit, one of the prisoners reached between the front seats and grabbed Deputy Shipp's service revolver. The prisoner then shot Deputy Shipp in the head and shot the trooper in the eye. The trooper returned fire as he exited his patrol car. After reloading his service weapon he held all three prisoners at gunpoint until backup officers arrived. Two prisoners, both 18, were charged with murder. The prisoner who murdered Deputy Shipp was charged with assault with intent to murder and attempted escape, and sentenced to 25 years and 15 years, respectively. Deputy Shipp was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Hunt County Sheriff's Office for six years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Shipp gave the Hunt County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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