Dr. Bernard Shipp

Bernard Loring Shipp, affectionately known as “Doc”, passed away July 27, 2025 surrounded by those he loved. Doc was born February 3, 1945 in Rome, MS. His family moved to Jackson, MS where he graduated from Central High School. He subsequently attended Ole Miss followed by medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. It was during medical school that he met a nurse and the love of his life, Sherriel Farmer Shipp. After deciding to pursue a career in Ophthalmology, Doc interned in Dallas,TX at Parkland Memorial Hospital. He and Sherri then moved to Montgomery where he served his country as a flight surgeon at Maxwell Air Force Base. Doc finished his training at Callahan Eye Institute in Birmingham, AL.

Bernie and Sherri eventually settled back in Corinth in 1976 to open an eye clinic and pursue his passion of helping others. Doc’s humble spirit and eagerness to provide first-class medical care helped him quickly establish a successful practice in the community. Through his career, Doc was able to restore sight for thousands of patients around North Mississippi. In addition, the many mission trips he served on around the globe allowed Doc to spread the word of God while curing blindness for those in underdeveloped countries. Despite a growing medical practice, his greatest joy in life came from his faith, family and devotion to community. Bernie served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church until his passing. He served on numerous boards including Magnolia Regional Health Center, Ole Miss Alumni, and most recently The Freedom Center. His faithful giving to Neverthirst has allowed for countless hundreds and thousands of individuals to receive the gospel and “living water” around the globe.

Doc took particular satisfaction in spending time with his wife, 4 children, 11 grandchildren and countless “grand-dogs”. His patient spirit and gentle attitude attracted all that knew him, whether human or pet. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, his ever-present smile, his deep affection for anything and everything Ole Miss and his love of bacon.

Services to honor Doc will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 3pm. Visitation will be Thursday, July 31 from 5pm-7pm at First Presbyterian Church. A private burial will be held at Shipp Cemetery in Water Valley, MS.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sherri Shipp; his daughter, Catherine Brown (Shane) of Scottsdale, AZ; 3 sons, Bernard Shipp, Jr., John Shipp (Jennifer) of Corinth, and James Shipp (Lyndsay) of Oxford; grandchildren, Cate Rivers Shipp, Connor Brown, Sheridan Shipp, Hayden Brown, Lynlee Shipp, Bracken Shipp, Griffin Brown, James Shipp, Will Shipp, John Shipp and Loring Shipp.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Ruth Shipp and his grandson, Decker Shipp.

Pallbearers are Stephen Holley, Alberto Albarracin, Johnny Purvis, Bob Mazurkiewicz, Marty McLendon and Jerry Nixon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Freedom Center, 42 Co Rd 278, Corinth, MS 38834, https://www.corinthfreedomcenter.com; or Neverthirst, 1111 Edenton Street, Birmingham, AL 35242; https://neverthirstwater.org/

Online Condolences can be left at www.MemorialCorinth.com for the Shipp family.

Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.