WILMINGTON — Wayne Shepard, a native of Wilmington, NC, born January 13, 1951, took flight to his eternal home Sunday, February 26, 2023. He was the second born son to Thomas Shepard, Sr. & Mazie Shepard (Foister). Wayne had one older brother, Tommy, and a few years later, became a “big brother” to triplet sisters, Faith, Hope, and Joy. He loved his baby sisters and turned over his earnings, as a teen, to buy material for their hand-made clothes. Wayne earned money, while still in high school, working at a family-owned grocery store. Everyone that knew Wayne knew how much he loved and cared for his friends and family.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Rosemary Shepard, their only son, Thomas Bryant Shepard (Brian), maternal & paternal grandparents, his mother Mazie and father Thomas, sister Hope, brother Tommy, and nephew Jerry Wayne. He was a loving husband and father and worked his whole life to provide for his family.
Throughout his career, Wayne worked as a rural mail carrier, for the U.S. Postal Service, as a truck & delivery driver for Pepsi & Cheerwine Bottling Companies, and, later in life, he and wife Rosemary worked, together, at Wilmington Star News delivering the local newspaper.
Wayne never met a stranger throughout this life. Many people called him a great friend and confidant. He had a loving, caring, and kind spirit and would give you his last dollar if you needed it. He had a love for fast cars, specifically Corvettes, and owned a couple in his lifetime. When riding the family around in his “new toy,” he was thrilled to show them just how fast it would go. While he enjoyed the thrill of his speedy new ride, he most enjoyed making others smile and laugh. He was a jokester, at heart, and made it a point to incorporate something funny into every conversation.
Surviving Wayne are his two sisters, Faith & Joy, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He did not have biological grandchildren but was lovingly referred to as “Pop” by a very special great-nephew, Colton.
