Orvin Shiflett Obituary

Orvin Lee Shiflett, 68, of Greensboro, NC, died on May 27, 2016, after a five-month battle with small cell lung cancer. Dr. Shiflett was a professor of Library and Information Studies at UNCG-Greensboro. He was born on August 1, 1947, in Melbourne, Florida, the son of James Winfield Shiflett and Elsie May Davis, now both deceased. Lee grew up in Malabar, Florida, and was a 1965 graduate of Melbourne High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from the University of Florida in 1969, a Master of Library Service from Rutgers University in 1971, and was awarded a doctorate in Library Science from Florida State University in 1979. Dr. Shiflett launched his professional career as an Acquisitions Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1971. In 1976, he became Coordinator of Technical Services at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse library. After receiving his PhD, he began his work in library education as an Assistant Professor at the Louisiana State University School of Library and Information Science. He was awarded the rank of Professor in 1994 and retired from LSU as Professor Emeritus in 2001. While in Baton Rouge, Dr. Shiflett was active in the American Library Association, serving on various ACRL and Library Research Round Table committees and as Chair of the Library History Round Table. He also served the Association for Library and Information Science Education in various capacities, including co-chairing the 2002 ALISE conference. He was an active member of the Louisiana Library Association and a frequent presenter at its annual conferences. Dr. Shiflett was a scholar, a researcher, an editor, and an author. His curriculum vitae shows numerous journal articles and book chapters as well as an extensive list of book reviews. His first book, The Origins of American Academic Librarianship, is recognized as a classic text on the history of American academic libraries and has been noted as the primary source for information on literature and research on this topic published prior to 1980. He has authored three additional books, the most recent being William Terry Couch and the Politics of Academic Publishing, released in the fall of 2015. After retiring from LSU in 2001, Dr. Shiflett became Professor and Chair of the Department of Library and Information Studies at UNCG and served until 2009 when he returned to teaching full time. In 2014 he became interim chair of the department and was serving in that capacity when he became ill. He was planning to retire at the end of the 2015-16 school year.Lee was a gentle and unassuming man, the ultimate Southern gentleman -- quiet and soft-spoken, totally devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren as well as the many students he served and mentored during his 37 years as a library educator. He is remembered for his kindness, his caring, his generosity, and his dry sense of humor. He loved to read and always had a book, or two or three, in hand. He enjoyed playing the trumpet and had fond memories of his days with the South Brevard County Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps under the direction of Mamie Barnes. He loved car travel, particularly on the backroads away from the bustle of today's busy world. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Ellen Hebert Shiflett; his two children, Christopher Benton Landry, married to Valerie Gover, and Lauryn Landry Schenker, wife of Christopher Kurt Schenker; and his grandchildren, Khalen Brooks Landry, Bianca Morgan Gover, Brooklyn Kate Schenker, and Christian James Schenker. He has one sister, Judy Millar, of Palm Bay, Florida, and two nephews, Stephen Millar and Michael John Millar. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro. The family will receive friends after the service. Hanes-Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the family. Memorial gifts may be made to the UNCG Library and Information Studies Alumni Endowment, which was established to honor Dr. Shiflett upon his retirement from the university. Contributions should be mailed to LIS Alumni Endowment in honor of Orvin Lee Shiflett, University Advancement, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402.

Published by The Advocate from Jun. 2 to Jun. 4, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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I remember Lee well. In our youth, he, in fact, stood next to me, playing music in the local drum and bugle corps. He was a good friend to all and reading his life story, I´m not surprised to learn of his many successes.

David Borst

Other

March 31, 2022

Dr. Shiflett was the greatest mentor while I was a MLIS student at UNCG. He was a wonderful professor and librarian.

Shavon Stewart

July 15, 2016

Deepest sympathy to you and your family, Mary Ellen. Lee's was my first graduate class at LSU in the late 80's, and I remember his wit, kindness and smile with fondness. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna Fruge'

June 9, 2016

Dr. Shiflett was the essence of what it means to be a Southern gentleman. He was involved in all practical matters to the UNCG graduates seeking their degree in Library and Information Studies. Especially to this one as he shared rides from Greensboro to Charlotte for his cataloging class, which is only one example of his service to us all. For a couple of hours each week, this busy student was able to relax and clear her head to the next day's challenges! My condolences to his family and friends for your loss.

Jody Mosteller

June 9, 2016

I worked with Dr. Shiflett as a graduate assistant in the Library and Information Studies department at UNC Greensboro, and I will miss him very much. Not only was he intelligent and a great professor, but also very kind. He always had a warm word for everyone, and was always ready to lend support for anything the faculty or students needed. I hope that everyone's lovely memories of him will lend comfort to his family and friends in their time of grieving and beyond.

Emily Porter-Fyke

June 8, 2016

I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Shiflett for a short time as his administrative assistant before I left to venture into the world of public librarianship. I got to know him for over 3 years as I worked in the Department of Library and Information Studies at UNCG. He was a great man, humble professor and most of all, a kind person. I will forever missed him! How sad that I am not in North Carolina to pay my respects for a professor that I will forever remember and inscribed into my heart for getting the chance to have met him, taught by him and worked for him and gained so much through his soft spoken wisdoms! - Touger Vang, West Sacramento, CA

Touger Vang

June 7, 2016

Lee's family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Lee touched many of our lives through his work at UNCG and the North Carolina Library Association where he was an active member. He will be greatly missed in the NC Library Community.

Rodney Lippard, NCLA President

June 6, 2016

Dr. Shiflett went on several library advocacy trips to Washington DC and was always such a pleasure to be around. He was such a great supporter of libraries and will be missed. God Bless the family-

Brandy Hamilton

June 6, 2016

I was Lee's major professor for his dissertation completed at Florida State University in 1979. It is with a heavy heart I write this acknowledgement of Lee's illness and death. As we can see by these testimonials, he was both a respected professor and fine individual. I remember thinking at the time of his graduation the library world has gained a fine historical researcher and scholar and I have gained a great friend for the future. Through the years we have stayed in touch and I will miss his gentle spirit and quiet sense of humor. He always provided great advice when needed.
For Mary Ellen, I wish her great contentment at this time in her knowledge that he was beloved and admired by friends and acquaintances and she was the major figure in his life.
Sincerely, Dr. Ronald Blazek

June 6, 2016

Sorry to hear about Lee's illness and passing, Mary Ellen. Know that God is with you in this time of need.

Clark Vega

June 4, 2016

We were very sad to hear about Dr. Shiflett's passing. My sister Sara and I both had him as a professor at UNCG. My father inlaw Randy also worked with him in the LIS department. We are sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. In this time of sadness please remember that Lee had a very strong influence on us all. He was a great teacher and alway greeted us with a smile and kind word. I will always remember him as a teacher who made a major impact on my life and made me the professional I am today. I will pray for your family in this time of loss.

Amy Ralph

June 4, 2016

Dr. Shiflett was one of the good ones. Sorry for your loss. May God bless your family in this time of need.

Deidra Douglas

June 4, 2016

Dr. Shiflett was my major professor during my time at LSU in the late 1990s. I suspect his History of the Book, LIS7700, class was my favorite. I recall his showing me a book printed in raised Boston line type by the Perkins School for the Blind. I appreciated his interest in the very little-explored area of librarianship by and for the blind. Rest in peace.

David Faucheux

June 3, 2016

Dear Mrs. Shiflett,

I am sorry for your loss. Dr. Shiflett was one of my best professors at UNCG. May God be with you during your time of sorrow.

Angela Carter

June 3, 2016

Dear Mrs. Shiflett,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Remember the good times. You are in my prayers.
Cindy Thomas

June 3, 2016

So sad to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Shifflet was one of my favorite Library Science professors at LSU. He was much beloved and respected by all his students.

Becky Andrews

June 3, 2016

Hi Mrs. Shiflett,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kendra Nanton

June 3, 2016

Mary Ellen,
I didn't realize Lee was sick and am so sorry to hear of his death. You and Lee were such good neighbors to Mom and Dad--we all appreciated that.

Martha Bush

June 3, 2016

Mrs. Mary Ellen,
I was so very sorry to hear of Lee's passing. Sending my heartfelt sympathies and love.

Danielle Madere Calix

June 3, 2016

We are very sorry for your loss. Lee was one of the nicest people we ever knew. Sincerely, Sheila and Dennis

Sheila & Dennis Painter

June 3, 2016

Lee did good work as scholar and teacher. I understand, Mary Ellen.
Donations for student benefit are what he would like best.--Kathleen

Kathleen de la Peña McCook

June 3, 2016

Mary Ellen, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Vicki

June 3, 2016

Farewell to our former LIS leader and mentor.

Jimi Wilson

June 2, 2016

The community of librarians are fortunate to have known Lee Shiflett and experienced his professional, gentlemanly wisdom.

Ann Stringfield

June 2, 2016

sorry for your loss

Debora Tinnin

June 2, 2016

I am shocked - Lee was a good friend, but I haven't seen much of him since I retired and gave up the Lis-614 course in 2008. I had no idea Lee was ill. My condolences to Lee's family and all friends. He was a fine fellow and I will miss him.

Bob Gaines

June 1, 2016

Explicit...

...Incipit

Had to give him an ending before the beginning one last time.

Lee was a merciful editor and a mensch. I'll miss him terribly.

Nancy Poole

June 1, 2016

Sorry for your loss

Emiel Johnson

June 1, 2016

I had the privilege of having Dr. Shiflett as a professor back in the 90s at LSU. I am so sorry for your loss, Mary Ellen.

Beth Berger

June 1, 2016

Lee was a southern gentleman and gentle man whose listening and wit I will ever treasure.

Mary V. Compton

June 1, 2016

Lee always said hello to everyone and asked "How you doing?" He certainly will be missed by me, and I dare say all of us in the School of Education. Gone too soon!

Barbara Levin

June 1, 2016

Lee was a wonderful colleague and an asset to UNCG. He will be missed.

Aprille Noe Black

June 1, 2016

Lee was the essence of a southern gentleman and gentle man. His kind spirit,listening and wit are treasures I will ever revere.......

Mary V. Compton

June 1, 2016

Lee was a tremendous colleague who was kind, gentle and steady. I appreciated his thoughtful contributions to the administering the LIS Department. Furthermore, I enjoyed his subtle sense of humor. Lee and I talked about riding motorcycles, books, education and many other topics. His kindness was a light in my day.

Scott Young

June 1, 2016

Lee was my colleague and a friend. We shared a love for books and riding our Vespas! I will miss his gentle soul. My thoughts are with the family.
Micheline Chalhoub-Deville

Micheline Chalhoub-Deville

June 1, 2016

Lee endeared himself to me the very first time I met him. I was in the Curry building on the UNCG campus, looking for the LIS Department offices. I ran into Lee in the hallway, and asked him if he knew where the LIS office was located. He gave a beat, and with his signature accent, he said, well I like to think so. His modest manner concealed a fine teacher, author, administrator, leader and story-teller. Please accept my condolences, and know that I admired and respected Lee hugely.

Andrew Fair

June 1, 2016

I will always remember with a smile Lee's kindness, wisdom and lovely wit.

Cheryl Greenberg

June 1, 2016

Dr. Shiflett was an excellent professor/advisor and a kind, caring person. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.

Leanne Jernigan

June 1, 2016

Dr. Shiflett was my smoking buddy. He'd come over to the small plaza between the Bryan Building and the School of Education most mornings to have a little cigar and we'd chat. I enjoyed hearing his stories of discovering winter in Wisconsin and summers in Louisiana and commiserating with all the paperword administrators have to deal with. He will be missed.

Jean Rosales

June 1, 2016

I had the pleasure of learning from Dr. Shiflett many years ago at Louisiana State University. I have so many fond memories of him and his classes. He was an outstanding information professional and will be missed by many.

Paula Settoon

June 1, 2016

Thanks much, Lee! I will miss you.

Grant Jolliff

June 1, 2016

When I went to library school at LSU in 1985, Lee was on the faculty. I didn't get to know him right away. But just over the first semester, without even taking a class from him, I got to know him well, to the point that I lived in his home over a summer semester while he was in Wisconsin. We've kept in touch, mostly at conferences, for all these years. I'll miss him very much, his wise counsel and his quick wit. May he rest in peace.

Dale McNeill

June 1, 2016

Dr. Shiflet was one of the first people I met at UNCG. I learned so much from him as both a teacher and an advisor, and I always appreciated his advice.

M Kammerer

May 31, 2016

Dr. Shiflett was so supportive and always made me feel like where I went with my education and life was something he cared about. He will be missed."

Rhonda Hooker

May 31, 2016

Lee Shiflett was one of the first at UNCG that made my dreams of being a librarian come true. I know that he will be missed by many. God bless and touch his family during this time.

Joy Cecil-Dyrkacz

May 31, 2016

My prayers are with Dr. Shiflett's family. He was a good professor and support. When I last saw him in October, he listened to my career update with such attention and care. I will always remember him with fondness.

Jennifer Herring

May 31, 2016

Lee was a wonderful professor and colleague....I will miss him terribly.

Beth Martin

May 31, 2016

Lee was my first contact when entering the UNCG MLIS program as well as one of my instructors who made my transition into the library world possible. He was also a supporter of the Charlotte area's Metrolina Library Association and we will miss seeing him at the event this June. He will be missed by many.

Jo Henry

May 31, 2016

Lee will live on in the hearts of many and his influence is immeasurable. I miss him and send my deepest condolences to his family.

Drew McNaughton

May 31, 2016

What a generous and kind spirit Dr. Shiflett was. I am honored to have known you as a teacher and friend. Rest easy.

Erin Sapienza

May 31, 2016

Dear Lee -- a great friend, a good teacher and truly, a gentleman and a scholar. He will be mourned by many.

Ms. McCall

May 30, 2016

Farewell, my friend. Until we meet again . . . miss you!

Vickie DeBari

May 30, 2016

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