WILMINGTON — Robert Edward ‘Bob’ Shepard Sr., 91, died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was born Oct. 30, 1927, in New York, New York, and was the son of Frances Wallace Anderson and Cynthia Shannon Shepard and Edward Clark Shepard.
Bob was a proud 32-year veteran of the U.S. Army and honorably served in the Korean War and Vietnam. He served in the 82nd Airborne and 8th Special Forces, Panama Canal Zone. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1974 as a chief warrant officer 4, where he successfully completed a number of very important intelligence operations and received several medals and citations. After retirement, he taught Spanish at Cape Fear Academy and Hoggard High School. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association, 252nd AAA Group of the NC National Guard. In his retirement, he enjoyed golfing and boating.
Bob is survived by his wife, Vernell Davidson Shepard; sons, J. Wade Shepard (Connie) of Tampa and Edward Thomas Shepard (Ellen) of San Diego; daughter, Cynthia Ellen Shepard Byrd of Wilmington; grandchildren, Kristen Byrd (Brandon Hales) of Wilmington, Steven Byrd (Nicole) of Charlotte, Kim Diaz (Billy) and Todd Shepard, all of Tampa; along with numerous other beloved family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann Brown Shepard; and son, Robert Edward Shepard Jr.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, at Oleander Memorial Gardens with military honors accorded by an honor guard from the U.S. Army.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
