Ralph Parks Shepard

Ralph Parks Shepard

Ralph Parks Shepard, 101, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Born on August 12, 1924, in East Moline, Ill., and raised in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Ralph was the son of the late Lewis and Artie Shepard. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Katherine; and five siblings, Paul, Roy, Robert, Lois Steele, and Mary Oakley.

Ralph served in the United States Army from June of 1944 until April of 1946. He served in the Philippines and received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Philippines Liberation Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. Ralph also served in the 769th Field Artillery Battalion in Korea as a Field Lineman and in the 80th Field Artillery Battalion as a truck driver.

After an honorable discharge, Ralph returned home to North Wilkesboro, where he met and married Katherine Elizabeth Williams.

In 1959, Ralph moved his young family to Lynchburg and accepted a position with General Electric where he worked until he retired in 1986. He then worked as a security guard at various establishments in Lynchburg until the age of 88.

He is survived by his brother, Luther Ray; his son, Roger Shepard (Kathy); two daughters, Faye Lethcoe (Michael), and Norma Lindsey (Eugene); grandchildren, Angie Shepard, Bryan Shepard, Melissa Carroll, David Lethcoe, Jeremy Lethcoe, Amanda Lethcoe, and Cameron Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Taylor Lethcoe, Katherine Grace Lethcoe, Hannah Lethcoe, Kori Moore, Luke Lethcoe, Cora Beth Lethcoe, Harmony Carroll, and Hampton Blessard.

A graveside service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Fort Hill Memorial Park, 5196 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501. To share online condolences with the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com. Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family.