John Hoston Shepherd

John Hoston Shepherd, of Callaway, Va., beloved husband, dad, papa, and great-papa, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 22, 2009. Dad was born to the late Joel Johnson and Etta Bussey Shepherd on October 6, 1920, in Callaway, Va. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 62 years, Mary Virginia; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Fred Taylor and Debbie and Claude Hall; his grandchildren and their spouses, Kara and Matt Ritter, Meghan and Kyle Flora, Brandon and Kristy Matney, John Hall and Faun Rutledge, Mariah and Andy Brady. Dad especially loved his wonderful great-grandchildren, Abby, Sophie, and Mia Ritter, Cole Matney, and Natalie and Ainsley Flora. He also had a special place in his heart for Skylar Wesley, who is like a great-granddaughter to him. Children always brought a smile to his face and laughter to his heart. Dad was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Sibyl and Walter Jennings; and a brother, Joel R. Shepherd. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Ruby Shepherd; sisters-in-law, Illa Shepherd and Lottie Jamison. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he greatly loved. Dad attended Young's School, a one room school house in Callaway, Va. and graduated from Callaway High School. Following high school, he served as a Staff Sergeant in the 345th Bombardment Group 5th Air Force. He served as the top gunner on B24 and B25 bombers. Dad never spoke of his experiences in the war but he received the American Theater Service Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with six Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal for his efforts to support his country. Following his hitch in the service, Dad left his beloved Callaway and moved to Norfolk, Va. to work for the United States Government at the Norfolk Naval Air Reworks Facility where he distinguished himself throughout the years with numerous awards and citations. Shortly after relocating, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Virginia Jamison Shepherd, also of Callaway. It was Dad's job to service F14 TomCats. He began by repairing the planes and later became the hanger supervisor. His ability to repair all types of engines was phenomenal. John and Mary Virginia lived in the Tidewater area for 40 years before retiring and returning to Callaway. During retirement, he enjoyed gardening, his family and friends, his dogs and cats, and worshiping at Furnace Creek Baptist Church where he was a member for 20 years. Funeral services celebrating Dad's life will be conducted from Furnace Creek Baptist Church 11 a.m. Tuesday with Pastor Mike Lawhorn and Pastor Nick Varnado officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. His family will be receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Flora Funeral Service, exclusive provider for Veteran's and Family Memorial Care, Rocky Mount. www.florafuneralservice.com.