Bro. Bill Beasley, program chairman, had as his speaker Mr. Bill Shipp, new Bonham City Manager. City Councilman, John Burnett, introduced Mr. Shipp.

Mr. Shipp was hired on a Tuesday and began working the following day. He currently lives in Royce City with his wife of twenty-three years, but hopes to relocate soon. 

Shipp served as City Manager of Commerce and Royce City and worked as a civilian assistant to the Fire Chief of Mesquite, Texas, and was assistant City Manager of Addison.

Shipp was born in Dallas and reared in Garland. He was a math major at Texas A&M and spent twenty years in the Air Force.  

Shipp has been all over the world, and he and his wife travelled with a trailer for a year in the U.S.

While Shipp does not see Bonham as a high-growth area, he does see much potential here. He likes the proximity to the Metroplex, especially with the widening of 121. He was very complimentary of Jones Field. Shipp feels Lower Bois d’Arc Reservoir will bring recreational visitors to Bonham.

Miss Suzi Blake, daughter of Judge Lauri Blake, was a guest.

The Kiwanis meet on Tuesdays at noon at Cappy’s Café.

(L-R) Michael Evans, Bill Shipp, Bro. Bill Beasley, John Burnett, and Richard Danner