William Harry Shipman
William Harry Shipman, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, family member and friend passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 76 at Maplewood Care Center, Jackson, Tennessee. Bill was born July 6, 1949 in Oakdale, California to Howard and Josephine Shipman.
Bill attended school in Oakdale, Modesto, and Stockton, California. He loved to fish, and hunt pheasants and deer. He was a veteran; a Captain in the Army National Guard, stationed in Oakdale, CA. He worked as a Traffic Manager for John Inglis Frozen Foods in Modesto, which was bought by United Foods and was later named The Pictsweet Company. Bill married Janice Davis in 1976 and they had their children, Hilary and Derek, who were born in Modesto, CA. He then transferred the family to Jackson, Tennessee to work as Distribution Manager for The Pictsweet Company in Bells, Tennessee.
Bill had a big personality with a loud booming voice for radio. He never met a stranger and everyone called him friend. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He collected hunting gear, flashlights, guns and ammo. (And toilet paper and paper towels). He was a proud long serving board member of Crimestoppers in Jackson, TN.
Bill is survived by his wife Janice Shipman, his children, Hilary (Saul) Aviles, and his son, Derek Shipman. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his granddaughters, Angelina (Tommy), Lily and Josephine. And his great-granddaughters, Ailani and Ayla.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Josephine Shipman, and his older sister, Adele Angle.
We have to say thank you to friends, neighbors, and home health providers who supported us during this time. Thanks to Home Instead caregivers, especially Bill’s favorite, Yolanda Edgeston.
Visitation will be held at George Smith and Son’s Chapel, 2812 North Highland, Jackson, TN, 38305, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon CST. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon CST and will be streamed on their George Smith and Son’s website. Burial will be provided by Oakdale Memorial Chapel, Oakdale, CA., at graveside in Oakdale Citizen’s Cemetery in Oakdale, CA. at a later date. Please no flowers.
In lieu of flowers in Bill’s memory, please contribute to 731Crimestoppers of Jackson, TN at, 317 Denmark Jackson Road, Denmark, TN 38391, or to Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, Atten: Joyce Owen-P.O. Box 600, Oakdale, CA 95361, or the American Cancer Society.
