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BORN
1933
DIED
2023
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William Shipp Obituary
Bill Shipp, a journalist who amused Georgians and tormented politicians for more than half a century with his acid-dipped pen died Saturday, July 8. He was 89.
William R. "Bill" Shipp was a newsman when The Atlanta Journal and the Constitution - then separate afternoon and morning newspapers - were read from north Georgia's mountains to the Florida line and newspaper columnists were the media rock stars that are found now only on the internet. Shipp saw politics as a contact sport and delighted in writing out loud what most Georgians were thinking or maybe saying only in personal conversations - calling legislators "dirty rats," castigating them by name and by legislative event for dawdling, wasting money or floating bone-headed ideas. Or, sometimes, he patted them on the back and peddled their ideas if he thought they were good ones.
"I will tell you that before there was such a thing as Google that Bill Shipp was the Google of Georgia politics and its institutions. He knew everything about everybody," said former state legislator and governor Roy Barnes.
After studying journalism at the University of Georgia and serving in the Army, Shipp joined The Atlanta Constitution in 1956, working his way up before devoting himself to the political beat.
Shipp also appeared on TV after the late Dick Williams, Shipp's rival editorial columnist on the afternoon newspaper, invited him to be part of "The Georgia Gang," the televised public affairs program that Williams hosted on WAGA-TV Channel 5.
Shipp ended his long career at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1987, and struck out on his own, starting "Bill Shipp's Georgia," one of the earliest political publications in the digital world.
"That's what I'm proudest of," Shipp said in a 2006 interview. Shipp sold the venture in 2000, but continued his twice-a-week columns, which were carried in 60 state newspapers, for years.
Visitation will be Friday, July 14, at 1 p.m. at Mayes Ward Funeral Home on the Square in Marietta, 180 Church Street, N.E., followed by the service at 2 p.m.
Read more about Bill Shipp on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for William Shipp
5 Entries
Martha Zoller
July 13, 2023
Bill Shipp was a great mentor to me. He was a standard we all used. I will be out of town for his services but will keep his family in my prayers Godspeed Bill Shipp.
Patricia Williams
July 11, 2023
Bill and family were our neighbors for many years. Our sons were close friends with their children. Condolences to Edie and Michele.
Pat Smart Williams
Joyce and Andy Manson
July 10, 2023
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill´s death. Having worked for him at Word Merchants for 10 years and being his neighbor for 15 years, I developed an affection and deep respect for him. We had many wonderful discussions about all kinds of things during those years of working together. He was a wonderful boss and a dear friend. Our deepest sympathy to Edie and Michelle and their families.
David S
July 10, 2023
A good man who did good work. I will miss him.
Priscilla Arnold Davis
July 9, 2023
Bill and I were fellow budding journalists at Marietta High School. I have followed his career with great pleasure and much affection for him. He was, indeed, an old-fashioned reporter, ready to leg work, desk work, computer work, or phone work to make the contacts, get the story, get it first, and get it right. Heaven is a more interesting place today .
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Funeral services provided by:
Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home & Crematory - Marietta Chapel180 Church Street NE P. O. Box 1026, Marietta, GA 30060
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