WILMINGTON — Daniel T. “Troy” Shepard, 49, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare Center.
Troy was born Aug. 10, 1968, in Jacksonville, Tenn., son of B.J. Shepard Sr. and Rose Godwin Shepard.
Troy came to live in the Masonboro sound area at the age of five, known as the Masonboro sound boy. He played football and baseball, and spent many years hitting home runs at Winter Park, Optimist Park.
After graduation from Hoggard High School, he worked different jobs for a while. The job he loved the most was being a bridge tender at Wrightsville Beach. He has tended the bridge there for more than 25 years. Part of what he used to do was grease the big gears.
Troy was an avid chef and loved to cook for the masses. He was always ready to cook for the family on holidays. He was everybody’s helper — from patching up a roof, doing yard work, building furniture, painting and anything else he could to help others. He also loved the bible and learning about the Lord Jesus Christ.
As his mother, I can tell you what Troy did for me. I would come home from work so many nights, and he would have my meal prepared. He spoiled me so much that I had to call him at the bridge to ask him how to cook home meals like grits. There are not enough words to express how loved and missed he will be.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Erin Shepard Mercer (Mark); and brother, Bud Shepard (Jeannie), all of Wilmington; three nieces, Brittany Shepard, Samantha Mercer and Ashley Shepard; nephew, Trey Bowden; and numerous cousins and other extended family members.
A funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 22, at Andrews Market Street Chapel with the Rev. Gordon Wright officiating. Prior to the service at the funeral home, the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service hour. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Contributions in Troy’s memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
