Charles Shipman

Brother Charles Shipman, age 79, of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 at his home. He was born August 17, 1936 in Tupelo, Mississippi to the late George Shipman and the late Bonnie Shipman. Brother Shipman graduated from Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi. He then attended the following schools: Itawamba Junior College in Fulton, Mississippi, William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Brother Shipman pastored for 59 years, 36 years of which he was the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in West Helena. During his career, he had many remarkable achievements. He was the B.S.U. Director for one year. He pastored six churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas and preached in almost every state in the United States. He did full time evangelical work for 12 ½ years and preached at over 1000 Evangelist and Crusade meetings. He is survived by his wife of almost 17 years, Shirley Ellis Shipman; son, David Shipman of Mobile, Alabama; two daughters, Cynthia Talley of Tupelo, Mississippi and Suzanne Stewart of Mobile; two step-daughters, Cynthia Jo Goode of Lexa, Arkansas and Jamie Lynn Woodard of West Helena; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of brothers and sisters in Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Rachel McMillan Shipman; stepson, Robert Hicks, Jr.; and one sister, Opal Roland. A service for Brother Charles Shipman will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2015 at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Brother Bill Richards will officiate. Pallbearers are Gary McChesney, John White, Jimmy VonKanel, Jody Warren, Clyde Murphy and Larry Howell. Brother Shipman's preacher friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 97 PC 302 Road, West Helena, Arkansas 72390 or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.