Gene-o Shipley

Hubert Gene "Gene-o" Shipley is a Republican politician serving as the Hamilton County Commissioner for District 1 in Tennessee [6]. He represents the northernmost district of the county, which includes the city of Soddy-Daisy and communities such as Sale Creek and Mowbray Mountain [6]. Shipley first assumed office in 2022 after defeating incumbent Randy Fairbanks in the primary election [6], [7]. He is currently seeking a second term in the 2026 Republican primary for this position [6], [11].

Prior to his county service, Shipley spent 28 years serving on the Soddy-Daisy Board of Commissioners, including terms as mayor and vice mayor [9]. During his tenure in Soddy-Daisy, he was instrumental in establishing and funding the Veterans Memorial Park and supporting the construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in 2009 [7]. He also helped bring a sewer system to the city and supported the acquisition of Big Soddy Gulf [9]. Shipley established his business, Shipley Plumbing, after growing up in Soddy-Daisy and attending its local schools [9].

As Hamilton County Commissioner, Shipley serves as Chairperson of the Building and Economic Development Committee and as an Alternate on the Education Committee [3]. In these roles, he reviews county facility planning, capital needs, and real estate matters while collaborating with economic development partners to recruit and retain business [3]. He also consults on educational plans and budgets in coordination with the school superintendent [3]. Additionally, he serves on the Public Safety Committee, acting as a liaison to the Sheriff’s Office and overseeing emergency operations and justice system coordination [3].

Shipley announced his candidacy for re-election in September 2025, citing his support for law enforcement, public works, and volunteer fire departments as key achievements of his first term [11]. He has also focused on infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to local schools and the planned revamping of Soddy-Daisy Middle School [11]. In August 2025, Shipley repaid $462 in expense funds to the county after it was revealed he had expensed trips from his home to the courthouse [8].

Shipley is a 48-year member of the Oak Street Baptist Church and a member of the Alhambra Shriners and Soddy Masonic Lodge #418 [7]. He married his high school classmate, Rita "Dede" Smith, in 1973; they had two children, Amy and Trey, and five grandchildren [7], [12]. Dede Shipley passed away in October 2025 after a long illness [12].

Sources

• [1] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] Gene-o Shipley, District 1 commissioner, Hamilton County Government
• [4] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
• [5] 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia
• [6] Gene-o Shipley announces run for second term on Hamilton County Commission | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [7] Longtime Soddy Daisy Commissioner Gene-o Shipley Announces Run For Hamilton County Commission - Chattanoogan.com
• [8] Hamilton County commissioners pay back some expense funds | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [9] Gene-o Shipley Leaving Soddy Daisy Commission After 28 Years Of Service - Chattanoogan.com
• [10] Opinion: Bill in state legislature would prevent relatively recent ‘double-dipping’ of government officials | Chattanooga Times Free Press
• [11] Gene-o Shipley Seeks Another Term As District 1 County Commissioner - Chattanoogan.com
• [12] County Commissioner Gene-O Shipley Mourns Loss Of Wife, Dede - Chattanoogan.com