William "Bill" Clinton 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 Tiger fan. He loved to watch movies about war and took a great interest in the history surrounding each war era. Bill was a sports and health enthusiast. He took great pride in working out and being physically fit. 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 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. Bill had a humble, easy-going nature and a wonderful sense of humor that made those around him feel at ease. After he left his teaching and coaching career in education, Bill worked in various positions all of which enabled him to directly work with the public. Having missed his love for education, he returned as the assistant principal at Alexandria High School in Calhoun County and later as the principal of Jacksonville High School. Having retired from his employment in 2015 with AmeriGas in Robertsdale, Alabama, Bill moved to Gadsden in Etowah County to be closer to family and friends. Soon after suffering a stroke in 2017, he developed the signs and symptoms of the very debilitating disease of Parkinson’s. 

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

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

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Bill in the chapel of KL Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville on Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 pm 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 pm until the service hour. 

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

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. William Clinton "Bill" Shipman, Jr.