Dedicated Christian leader and founder of the National Bible Museum, Dr. Donald Jonathan “Johnny” Shipman was born May 19, 1964 and went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, March 16, 2013.  He is survived by his beloved parents, Dr. Donald & Elvena Shipman of Dallas, Texas; His brothers: Dr. Lonnie Shipman of Dallas, Texas and Ronnie Shipman and wife Melissa Shipman of Grand Prairie, Texas; His sister Mrs. Melanie Shipman Webb and husband, Rev. Robin Webb, of Arlington, Texas and nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and a host of family and friends.

Traveling to forty-five states and internationally at the age of fourteen, Johnny appeared live to millions and represented the cause of Christian education in such venues as Madison Square Garden and was featured in a NBC prime time television special. Johnny also travelled with his family in evangelism appearing in many national conferences and churches and recorded several gospel music albums including singing, strings, and trumpet.

After graduating from college with a B.A. degree, he worked in the oil business, investment banking, and started his own wholesale jewelry company.

Burdened to help with multiple Christian causes, Johnny Shipman advised numerous pastors and leaders of Bible colleges, helped produce Christian films, visited missionaries around the world, and was a close friend to pastors and Christian workers throughout America.

Because of his great love for the Bible, Johnny Shipman began collecting ancient Bibles and manuscripts and soon felt a distinct call of God and burden in his heart to found a Bible museum to impact the world with the knowledge of God’s Word. The National Bible Museum was the result. Soon, scores of others had caught the vision. Numerous Bible collections and museums were started, as well as the tremendous National Bible Museum.

Viewing will be held Thursday, March 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Memorial Service being held Friday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m. - Both at Lavon Drive Baptist Church, 1520 Lavon Drive, Garland, Texas 75040.

 Interment:  Grove Hill Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

Tax-deductible Donations to the National Bible Museum Memorial Fund may be made in his honor at www.NBMDallas.com. Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home-Van Alstyne. You may sign the online guest book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com