Joseph Shepard passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025 at the age of 94.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph B. "Shep" Shepard of Burgaw, NC, and Florence DeWitt of Reidsville, NC; his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Fish Shepard; and his daughter Tami S. Leary. He is survived by his children, daughter Karen Shepard of Chesapeake, VA; son Joey Shepard of Columbia, NC; stepchildren Robert (Terri) Pond of Aldie, VA; Russ (Joanie) Pond of Ashland, VA; and Norma Hale of Fredericksburg, VA.
Joe also leaves behind five grandsons: Ryan (Audrey) Pond of Aldie, Virginia; Jeremi (Lyena) Hale of Scottsdale, AZ; Ian (Maria) Pond of Austin, TX; Trevor Hale of Fredericksburg, VA; and David Leary of Chesapeake, VA—as well as several great-grandchildren.
Joseph proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his military service, he earned an Associate in Arts degree from Lees-McRae College. His career followed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contributing to the stewardship of vital waterways and infrastructure across the region. Alongside his career, he was a skilled woodworker and handyman—always ready to fix, build, or improve whatever needed attention.
In retirement, Joe built a home on Lake Gaston, NC, where he welcomed family and friends for jet ski rides and boating adventures. A lifelong animal lover, he always had cats by his side—quiet companions who matched his gentle spirit.
He will be remembered as a supportive, accepting, and easygoing presence—a man who made others feel at ease, who listened without judgment, and who offered steady encouragement to those around him.
A private family gathering will be held to reflect on our memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Union Mission Ministries in Norfolk, Virginia.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph B. "Shep" Shepard of Burgaw, NC, and Florence DeWitt of Reidsville, NC; his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Fish Shepard; and his daughter Tami S. Leary. He is survived by his children, daughter Karen Shepard of Chesapeake, VA; son Joey Shepard of Columbia, NC; stepchildren Robert (Terri) Pond of Aldie, VA; Russ (Joanie) Pond of Ashland, VA; and Norma Hale of Fredericksburg, VA.
Joe also leaves behind five grandsons: Ryan (Audrey) Pond of Aldie, Virginia; Jeremi (Lyena) Hale of Scottsdale, AZ; Ian (Maria) Pond of Austin, TX; Trevor Hale of Fredericksburg, VA; and David Leary of Chesapeake, VA—as well as several great-grandchildren.
Joseph proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his military service, he earned an Associate in Arts degree from Lees-McRae College. His career followed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contributing to the stewardship of vital waterways and infrastructure across the region. Alongside his career, he was a skilled woodworker and handyman—always ready to fix, build, or improve whatever needed attention.
In retirement, Joe built a home on Lake Gaston, NC, where he welcomed family and friends for jet ski rides and boating adventures. A lifelong animal lover, he always had cats by his side—quiet companions who matched his gentle spirit.
He will be remembered as a supportive, accepting, and easygoing presence—a man who made others feel at ease, who listened without judgment, and who offered steady encouragement to those around him.
A private family gathering will be held to reflect on our memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Union Mission Ministries in Norfolk, Virginia.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Penn Shepard, please visit our flower store.
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