Chief Charles W. Shaw

Chief Charles W. Shaw July 5, 1946 – April 20, 2025

Charles (Charlie) Shaw, age 78, of Campbellsville, Kentucky passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at his home.

Born on July 5, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late William Q. Shaw and Dorothy Brown Shaw.

On August 1, 1970, Charles married Suellen Coker and together they shared 54 years of love, partnership and devotion. Their bond was the foundation of a life filled with family, faith and community.

Charles professed faith in Christ and was a member of Bethel First Presbyterian Church. He served as an Elder on the Session and his passion was the Building and Grounds Committee. His faith and devotion to God played a central role in his life.

Charles moved to Campbellsville, after high school graduation in 1965 to obtain his degree at Campbellsville College. He joined the Fire Departments shortly after. He was instrumental in creating various programs within the Fire Service, both in the State of Kentucky and throughout the nation. He taught and served many years at the National Fire Academy. Charles found great joy in serving various civic duties as well: the City Council, 4th of July Committee and Toys for Tots. He gave so much of his time and heart to the absolute success of these projects.

After his almost 40 year career with the Kentucky Department of Education, teaching and training emergency service personnel, he retired as the Training Coordinator for Area 14 Kentucky State Fire Rescue Training. He was blessed to have developed that program that was second to none and a model to other states. In that capacity, he made a profound impact on the fire rescue training community, helping to shape the education and preparedness of emergency responders across the region. Through a relentless demand for excellence and attention to detail, he made sure that firefighters could receive high quality training in their communities in order to better serve their communities and save lives.

Charles also served as the Chief of Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue, where he dedicated 30 years to saving lives and serving his community. He was the leader of many accomplishments including a building project, taking on the county EMS, developing a regional dive team, TRH partnership in the trauma program, regional hazmat and one of the few technical rescue teams in the state. He volunteered with the Campbellsville and Taylor County Fire Departments and was the special events coordinator for the Kentucky Fire Commission, helping organize statewide events to support Kentucky’s fire service and emergency responders. Chief Shaw took the most pride in the development of leaders-always leaning on his motto: “Quality is never an accident. It is the result of intelligent effort.” He led by example and gave people the tools to become leaders and to excel at what they do.

Charles was relentless in his pursuit of excellence and unwavering in his standards. His commitment to the highest level of performance in every aspect of his life earned him deep respect from colleagues and friends. He also coordinated funerals for fallen emergency service members, handling those sacred moments with the utmost care, dignity and respect. His works during those times provided comfort to grieving families and honored the sacrifices of those who served.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Suellen Coker Shaw, and his children: Scott Shaw (and his wife, Beth), Billy Hubbard (and the late Tandy Hubbard), Molly Hubbard Pepper (and her husband, Tyler), and the late Johnny Hubbard. He is also remembered by his bonus daughter, Robin Christie.

He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Ben and Madelyn Shaw of Cincinnati, Ohio; Allison and Brier Pepper of Bloomington, Indiana; and Taylor Kate and Mills Hubbard of Lexington, Kentucky. He is also survived by the best fur granddog, Teddy Shaw, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family was at the heart of Charles’ life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Q. Shaw, Sr. (and his wife Cathy) of Hodgenville, Kentucky, and his brother-in-law, Mark Coker (and his wife, Gina) of Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The Funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. officiated by beloved pastor, Rev. Jim Murphy. Burial will follow in the Old Bethel Cemetery.

Pallbearers are: Robby Bryant, Randy Cox, Howard Dobson, Jr., Terry Feather, Brent Lile, Daron Vaughn and Tony Young. Expressions of sympathy are requested to be donations to: Bethel First Presbyterian Church, Gideon Bibles or the Crusade for Children. Honorary Pallbearers: Bob Buckner, Mike Ramsey, Troy Webster, Marc Myres and Campbellsville-Taylor Fire Departments. And very special thanks to Honorary Pallbearers Teresa Turner, R.N. and Michelle Jeffries. Charles loved these two women as they cared for him physically, emotionally, prayerfully and lovingly. They have been incredibly precious in his sight.

Charles will be remembered for his steady presence, unwavering loyalty and the love he gave so freely to all. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.