James Wallace (Wally) Sheppard, Sr., passed away on December 9, 2025, at 91. A Tampa native and 6th-generation Floridian, he never met a stranger. His life was marked by love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and neighbors. He inspired all who knew him with his inexhaustible energy and love for life.
Wally worked for more than 30 years at Continental Can Company, but he found his true calling only after building his first home for his growing family. He was only 20 years old and determined to do things on his own.
Possessing far too much energy for just one job, he earned his contractor's license and spent the rest of his life building and remodeling houses and office buildings in his spare time.
After he retired in the 1990's he took great pride in custom-building homes for each of his grown children and his elderly parents, ensuring they had a beautiful place to call their own. Even in his 80s, Wally's passion for work endured; his last great achievement was an office building for his son's business, and he continued to work every day until its completion.
Wally was deeply devoted to his family and embraced life fully. Known for his tireless work ethic, he will be remembered as someone you could always count on—usually arriving with his trusty toolbox and the wisdom to do things right.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of many years, Mary Sheppard, his son David Sheppard, and his grandson Chase Sheppard. Survived by his children: Lynn Sheppard, Debra (Rex) Cole, Cynthia (Daniel) Lawrence, James Wallace Jr. (Tracy) Sheppard, Keith (Cheryl) Sheppard, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wally worked for more than 30 years at Continental Can Company, but he found his true calling only after building his first home for his growing family. He was only 20 years old and determined to do things on his own.
Possessing far too much energy for just one job, he earned his contractor's license and spent the rest of his life building and remodeling houses and office buildings in his spare time.
After he retired in the 1990's he took great pride in custom-building homes for each of his grown children and his elderly parents, ensuring they had a beautiful place to call their own. Even in his 80s, Wally's passion for work endured; his last great achievement was an office building for his son's business, and he continued to work every day until its completion.
Wally was deeply devoted to his family and embraced life fully. Known for his tireless work ethic, he will be remembered as someone you could always count on—usually arriving with his trusty toolbox and the wisdom to do things right.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of many years, Mary Sheppard, his son David Sheppard, and his grandson Chase Sheppard. Survived by his children: Lynn Sheppard, Debra (Rex) Cole, Cynthia (Daniel) Lawrence, James Wallace Jr. (Tracy) Sheppard, Keith (Cheryl) Sheppard, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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