Brad Shillinglaw | 1985 – 2021 | Obituary

Christopher Brad Shillinglaw, age 36, was born on September 15, 1985.  He entered fully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 2, 2021.  He lived in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He is survived by his loving family, wife of 13 years Rebekah; son, Ezra (8), and daughter, Hadley (6).  He also leaves behind mother Susan Shillinglaw (husband Buddy); birth mother Kim Shillinglaw; sister Gabby Hatcher (husband Myrick, children Rachel, Maddie, Tate and Henry); and uncle Todd Shillinglaw (wife Carol), as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was a beloved part of the Turbeville and McBride family through marriage, and his relationship with his in-laws Rev. Dean Turbeville and Nancy Turbeville, and the late “T-Daddy” and “T-Mama”, as well as siblings by marriage Aaron Turbeville (wife, Mollie and daughter Tilly) and Lydia Turbeville, were a transformative part of his life.

Brad grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he spent most of his youth exploring the outdoors, playing team sports, and working on cars with his grandfather.  He was a member and active participant in church life at Ebenezer ARP Church, where he had fond memories of basketball and softball league games with his friends.  He was the first in his family to attend college, and went to Erskine College, which proved to be a life-changing decision.  The Lord provided a faithful group of friends at Erskine who were instrumental in the next 18 years of his life. Brad was a cross country runner throughout college, spent his summers on staff at Bonclarken Conference Center, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education.

Following graduation, Brad married the love of his life, Rebekah, and began working at Chester ARP Church in Chester, South Carolina, as the Director of Youth and Family Ministries. His greatest joy was sharing the gospel with dozens of youth that came through the church doors over his ten years.  He later transitioned to a career in woodworking, and he found a new passion in working with his hands to create beauty.  He was an avid chef and grill master, and he took every opportunity to create culinary masterpieces for his family and friends.  Brad was a lifelong Duke Basketball fan and so enjoyed the time he spent on the Duke campus during his recent medical visits.

A devoted husband, father, son and brother, Brad counted his family his greatest blessing next to his own salvation.  He was daily in awe of the family that he helped create, and his children were his delight and treasure.  They have inherited his love of good music, silly antics, and mountain biking.

A memorial service took place at Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 5^th, and can be viewed on the church website.  There will be a private interment at Quaker Cemetery on Monday, December 13.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Brad’s memory may be made to Sovereign Grace Presbyterian Church, 3326 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210, attention to Mercy Ministry Fund, or the Scleroderma Research Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for the disease.