William Clinton "Bill" Shipman Jr.

After a lengthy battle with advanced Parkinson's Disease, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Clinton (Bill) Shipman, Jr., beloved brother and friend. He was a resident of Big Springs Village in Cedartown, Georgia. Bill was 74 years old at the time of his death in Cedartown on March 3, 2026.

He was born July 24, 1951, in Anniston, Alabama, to Mary and Clinton Shipman. Being a native of Jacksonville, he attended Jacksonville Elementary School and was a 1969 graduate of Jacksonville High School. Bill furthered his studies at Jacksonville State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Physical Education. His postgraduate studies also included a master's degree in Business Administration.

Bill especially delighted in the friendly banter and competition that came with watching college football, as he was a devoted Auburn Tigers fan. He loved watching movies about war and took a great interest in the history surrounding each era. Bill was a sports and health enthusiast who took great pride in working out and maintaining his physical fitness.

His Christian faith was an important part of his life; therefore, he carried a deep love for the Lord. As a teacher at Hokes Bluff in Etowah County, Bill was known for his enthusiasm for teaching and coaching and for getting to know his students, whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or on his bus route. He will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others. Whether with colleagues, students, associates, or friends, Bill showed patience and understanding and had a gentle spirit. He had a humble, easy-going nature and a wonderful sense of humor that made those around him feel at ease.

After leaving his teaching and coaching career in education, Bill worked in various positions, all of which enabled him to work directly with the public. Having missed his love for education, he later returned as assistant principal at Alexandria High School in Calhoun County and later served as principal of Jacksonville High School. After retiring from his employment with AmeriGas in Robertsdale, Alabama, in 2015, Bill moved to Gadsden in Etowah County to be closer to family and friends.

Soon after suffering a stroke in 2017, he began to develop the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Bill was blessed with two daughters and five grandchildren. Connie LaShae Hawie is the mother of a granddaughter and two grandsons. Whitni Blair Shipman is the mother of a granddaughter. They were the light of Bill's life, and the love he had for them was unmistakable. Bill was a loving grandfather, father, brother, and son, and his presence brought warmth to everyone who knew him. Bill will be deeply missed, and his memory will continue to be treasured by all who loved and knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents: Betsy Ledbetter Watts Dyer, Andrew Jackson Watts, Elizabeth Parker Shipman, and R. A. Shipman, all of Jacksonville. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Mary Watts Shipman and William Clinton Shipman, both of Jacksonville.

Bill is survived by two daughters, Connie LaShae Hawie and Whitni Blair Shipman; three siblings, Lynn S. Newton (Shannon) of Fresno, California, Richard Shipman (Karen) of Jacksonville, and Von Shipman (Peggi) of Valdosta, Georgia; four nieces, one nephew, four great-nieces, five great-nephews, and numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Bill in the chapel of K.L. Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville on Sunday, March 15, at 3:00 p.m., with Chaplain Jennifer Lee officiating. Interment will follow in the adjacent cemetery of Greenlawn. Bill's family will receive friends on Sunday, March 15, at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour.

A special thank you is extended to the management and staff at Big Springs Village in Cedartown, Georgia, for taking such good care of Bill, and to Pruitt Health Hospice, whose help, visits, and telephone calls have been greatly appreciated.