Carl Leroy Shepard

Carl Leroy Shepard went home to be with his Father on August 14, 2011. He was born June 2nd, 1934, in Niles, Mich., the son of Carl and Margaret Shepard. His wife Doris, daughters Carla and Crystal, son Allen, and son-in-law Bruce Bennett, along with six grand children and five great grandchildren survive him. Sister Jean Shepard-Miles, brother's Jim and Bob also survive him. Carl was a hard worker all his life. As a child he worked to help provide for his large family. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy where he served aboard the USS Cree and succeeded at entering and completing the Naval Diving School. While in the Navy he met and married Doris M. Arakaki while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. After being honorably discharged from the Navy they moved back to Carl's hometown of Niles. He began working in the mobile home industry shortly thereafter and slowly but steadily rose through the ranks at Elcona Mobile Homes where he was their purchasing agent and eventually became the general manager of their new production plant located in Valdosta, Ga. Later, Carl moved down to Bradenton, Fla., where he continued his work in the modular home industry. He continued working at Coach House Mobile Home Park until June of this year when illness prevented him from continuing. One of Carl's major accomplishments was ownership of Manatee R.V. Park, which is located in Ruskin, Fla. From humble beginnings his success in business and on a personal level are immeasurable. There is so much more to a man's life than words can relate. How do you explain the happiness, joy, wisdom, and knowledge one man can bring to so many lives? Always a kind word and a cutting edge wit, he could bring a smile to the face of anyone. There was never a situation that arose where his courage would not prevail, never a moment when he gave up the fight; rather he would continue on until tomorrow when he could begin the battle anew. Through his integrity and wisdom he led where others would falter, he laughed when others would cry out in anguish, and he held on tight to the one true love of his life, his cherished wife of over 57 years, Doris. He was a leader of men through the use of his various attributes. He inspired people to reach for a higher rung on the ladder of life and would lavish praise upon them for their efforts; even if the effort fell short. For Carl, it did not matter if you won or lost, rather his emphasis was always on the effort you put forth and whether or not you followed through to the end in whatever endeavor you were pursuing. To have his approval was golden, to be in his presence was a pleasure, and to have him as a friend was a life changing experience. Many tears have been shed for the passing of Carl L. Shepard. For many they awaken with an emptiness inside that will never be filled again. There's a void in their life that will be there for as long as they carry the memory of a man who lived life to the fullest and gave his all to those around him. Our prayers are only that God will cherish him as much as we do. Godspeed, until we meet again, your loving family and friends.