Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
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704-484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Our 38th Year • Issue No. 27 • July 8, 2021 We are Thankful for our Readers & Advertisers Upcoming Dry Eye Research Study 501-322-0505 Contact us today for more information and to see if you qualify Complete 3 visits over approximately 1 month and you may receive up to $600 for your time. Study Location: Shelby, NC by MICHAEL E. POWELL Writer – CF Media michael@cfmedia.info For U.S. Army veteran and Shelby native, Stanley Whitaker, the surprise his neighbor, spray paint artist Dar- rell Endicott had for him thoroughly caught him off guard – but in a good way! Whitaker, 72, served in the Army from 1969-1970, was "in country" at Phu Bai, serving first with the infan- try, then later as a .60-caliber door gunner on a Huey helicopter, provid- ing protection for his fellow soldiers as they were dropped in to, or taken out of a hot spot, depending on the mission, he said. "I also had some time on the .50 (caliber heavy machine gun)," said Mr. Whitaker, who left the Army as an E-5, or sergeant, and still proudly wears his baseball cap, telling every- one he is a Vietnam War veteran. Whitaker, a member of the Disabled American Veterans, added he was in the Army for 11 months. By contrast, his artistic neighbor, Darrell Endicott, is a young man whose only weapon is a can of spray paint or the odd pen, pencil or paint brush he might use to draw an idea he wants to eventually paint. Endicott said he began his art career in earnest the S u m m e r o f 1992 and has b e e n w o r k - ing as steadily at it as he can since. The fa- ther of three has done mural art for a number of local clients and has plans to do many more. Ad- ditionally, Darrell has done a cou- ple of Cleveland County schools' "Spirit Rocks". "I've done mural art at the Elder Law of- fices uptown as well as for Cross Fit gym," he said. Endicott is a 2000 Cleveland Commu- nity College grad, with an associate in art. He defines his style as that of a muralist, doing spray can comic-style artwork and illustration for the past two to three years. Endicott was inspired to do the mural on the Whitakers' shed because, "Stanley enjoys my art, and plus, he's an awesome neighbor!" For his part, Stanley said of Darrell's work, "I think it's amazing!" The Whitakers – Stanley and Cindy – have been married for 20 years and have three children. Endicott said he is "non-political" with his art, adding, "It is a way to show appreciation for your fellow man; in this case, my neighbor. As for the mural, I like the way the 'chopper' blades appear to be blowing the clouds. It speaks to me." To contact Mr. Endicott, a.k.a. "Doc Rock- topus", about possibly him doing a mural for you or your business, email him at darrell. endicott@yahoo.com, or call him at (980) 729-0242. Shelby artist gives Army veteran a pleasant (and colorful) surprise Mural artist Darrell Endicott (left) stands next to his most recent mural, done for his neighbor and friend, Vietnam veteran, former U.S. Army Sgt. Stanley Whitaker. This portion of the mural is of a Huey gunship, similar to what Sgt. Whitaker was on as a door gunner. (photos by MEP/CF Media) A closeup of the Huey gunship mural done on the side of Shelby native, Stan- ley Whitaker's shed by his friend and neighbor, muralist Darrell Endicott. Shelby mural artist Darrell Endicott painted this majestic bald eagle on his art studio, which is located behind his house. The huge American flag-themed mural done on the side of Shelby veteran Stanley Whitaker's shed by muralist Darrell Endicott. Endicott, Whitaker's neighbor, said he wanted to do something nice for his friend and neighbor, Whitaker, to honor his service in the military. "Where Beauty Never Ends" "Where Beauty Never Ends" NorWat Beauty NorWat Beauty 1121 E. Marion St. Shelby, NC 704-481-7011 Wigs / Braiding & Crochet Hair / Hair Care Products Hours: Mon.-Sat. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 10:00 am - 6:00 pm