Neil Shipley

Neil was born on Sept. 26, 1972. He was cherished! As a boy he did the things that boys do.He excelled in middle school and high school and was named Athlete of the Year two times. He was student body president his senior year among many other honors and accolades. His proudest achievement was being all-district cornerback on the South Grand Prairie playoff team in 1990, as well as leading the district in interceptions.He did not capitalize on his scholarship offers! He regretted this and dropped out of Stephen F. Austin in his sophomore year.He joined the U.S. Air Force serving a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia-Desert Storm.He married Melanie Merrill while stationed in California. After a divorce he married Margaret Lomax.He managed a 24 Hour Fitness Center in Sacramento when he became extremely ill with Trench Fever, leaving him in constant fatigue and pain. He lived with his parents the next two years. He went back to California and suffered a series of heart attacks resulting in a triple bypass operation. He returned home to live with his parents who loved and cared for him but he never fully recovered.He suffered many ailments that speeded his physical deterioration. After about a year and a half and numerous trips to emergency rooms and doctors offices, he quietly died in his sleep.Neil was a saved Christian and has a home in heaven. He loved movies, sports (especially football) and dogs (especially the family Shi-Tzu, Katy).Neil was a patriot, handsome, kindhearted, loving, caring, and always a gentleman. He was a blessing to his parents who suffer unfathomable grief over his passing.Neil is survived by his parents, Michael and Barbara Shipley, a sister, Cheryl Hagedorn, brother-in-law Randy Hagedorn and nephew Clinton Hagedorn. Also two uncles, Steven Shipley and Bill Garmon in Toledo, Ohio, two aunts, Sandra Triguax in Maumee, Ohio, Sally Thompson of Indiana and many cousins.