Edward “Neal” Shipman, 76 of Double Springs, entered into rest on March 3, 2016 at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Neal was born on February 5, 1940 in Lynn, Alabama. He served in the Army National Guard for 38 years, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Double Springs, for 35 years. Neal was a 1959 graduate of Winston County High School. He began his career as a city of Birmingham Fireman, and was an entrepreneur. Neal was an advocate for the people of Winston County and a promoter of the scenic beauty and history of the Free State of Winston.
He was a member of the Double Springs Jaycees, F&AM lodge # 877 Double Springs, former president of the Winston County High School Football Booster Club and Santa Claus’ helper for the Association of Retarded Citizens. He was Winston County High School Alumni of the year, company commander of the 877th Engineering Battalion of the Alabama Army National Guard, and he retired as Major.
Neal was an Alabama Surface Mining Commissioner, and a board member of the Mountain Lakes Tourism Association. He enjoyed antique automobiles. Neal was known as “Foots” at the Birmingham Fire Department because of his enormous feet, where he was admired and feared as a practical joker.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 6 p.m. after 9 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Double Springs, where services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. Reverend Bill Frank Wilson and Reverend Phillip Twilley will officiate. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Double Springs.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dot Shipman; sons, Eddy (Nikki) Shipman, and Scott (Lisa) Shipman; sister, Emma Jo (Bill) Waldrop. He was “Pa Pa” to 4 grandchildren, Anna Marie Shipman, Shelby Shipman, Zeke Shipman, and Kate Shipman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Roosevelt and Cora Shipman; brothers, Theo Shipman, and Russell Shipman.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Corinth Baptist Church, c/o Sandra Whitman, 34 Waid Road, Double Springs, Alabama 35553, Telephone Number: (205) 275-5589.
