WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. - Brigadier General Leland C. "Bob" Shepard Jr., (USAF Retired) died July 22, 2009, in his home in West Palm Beach, Fla., with Patricia, his wife of 65 years, and his daughter, Harriet Miller of Newport News, Va., at his side.
He is also survived by his daughters, Judith Chapman in Los Angeles, Calif., and Patricia Moran Shepard in Madrid, Spain. In addition, he has three grandsons and five great-grandchildren, with a sixth on the way.
Bob was born in Miami, Fla., on July 5, 1923, and raised in Coral Gables, Fla. He entered the University of Florida in September of 1941, but after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted as a Private in the Army Air Corps. He soon entered training as an Aviation Cadet - Pilot and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1942 and went on to fly 58 missions in Southern Italy, North Africa and the Burma Chinese Theatres.
At the end of World War II, he requested release from active duty to finish his Degree of Juris Doctor. After admission to the bar, he applied for duty with The Air Force Judge Advocate General Office and by 1951 he was Staff Judge Advocate at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. However with the onset of The Korean War he volunteered to return to the line of duty, flying the B-26, 'The Night Light Intruder'. Following the war 'Shep' went on to fly operationally in F-86, F-86D and B-57. His love of flying also found him in The B-47 as well as a T-39 instructor. His service to his country sent him to command post positions in Japan, England, Spain, Seoul, Korea, S.A.C. Headquarters, as well as The Pentagon.
In April, 1977, after 35 years (of service), he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Brigadier General. He was then asked to join the law firm of Adams, Coogler, Watson, and Merkel of West Palm Beach. After a distinguished civilian law career, General L.C. Shepard retired from the firm as a full partner.
Bob enjoyed his retirement sailing his boat 'Fiddler's Green' and traveling between his homes in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Highlands, N.C., with his wife and their two Corgies, Molly and Ladd.
He earned Command Pilot status during his military service and his awards include two Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and a Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem.
General Shepard will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on October 14, 2009, with full military honors.
Arrangements by Quattlebaum Funeral & Cremation Services, (561) 832-5171. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
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Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. Although we did not know General Shepard, it is easy to see that he served his country in the finest tradition of the United States Air Force.
With our condolences,
Tom Glavin, CMSGT, USAF, Retired
and Dawn Glavin Newport News, Virginia
August 21, 2009
While a young Air Force Major, I met BG Shepard in South Korea when we were both assigned to the Joint United States Military Assistance Group - Korea (JUSMAG-K). I benefited from his encouragement, advice, and example of how an Air Force Officer should conduct himself. I distinctly remember him telling me, " Jim, remember, work gravitates to those who do it." He told me that when I was feeling sorry for myself for having to work so long and hard for a very demanding boss. I'll never forget that and took his words to heart.
Mrs. Shepard, you may remember me, my wife Carol, and kids as we sat close to you and the general in the chapel each Sunday and talked to you a time or two at the Chief's Mess.
May God be with all of you at this time as I am sure Gen. Shepard is with God. He was a great man.
Jim Kershasky
August 20, 2009
I worked for Mr. Shepard at Adams, Coogler, Watson and Merkel from 1986 to 1989 along with his secretary at that time Evelyn Lynn. He will be remembered by me as a true gentleman. I have many memories of talks with him about his family (who he was so proud of), his military career, and a special talk regarding watching ice skating, so many things that made this man unique. My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Debbie Maynard
August 17, 2009
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