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Larry Shepler Obituary
September 28, 1942 - May 21, 2023
Larry Barclay Shepler, 80, of Hickory, N.C. passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania to Alvin Lawrence Shepler and Ruth Barclay Shepler, Larry graduated from Bethel High School and went on to Penn State University where he majored in business and marketing.
It was at Penn State that he met his future wife, Judy, after she sat next to him in the last seat in econ class. He saved her a seat every time after that. They married in 1963 and were married for 59 years.
Larry served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970 as a First Lieutenant and MACV advisor. He earned a combat infantry badge and a Bronze Star.
He was in Vietnam when his daughter, Amy was born. His son Deke joined them a few years later to complete their family.
Larry's successful career in the marketing and advertising business spanned more than 30 years. It brought the family to Hickory in 1981 where Larry founded the advertising agency, Shepler Coda & Company in 1984, with Judy (aka, the boss' boss). They retired in 2002.
Outside of work Shep enjoyed playing golf, golf and more golf, fly-fishing, exploring the Blue Ridge mountains, and traveling all around the U.S and abroad. He grilled a mean medium-rare steak and enjoyed a Manhattan (aka Red Loudmouth) on the rocks.
Nothing brought Larry more joy than spending time with family and friends like The Bridge Club, a group of friends that may never have actually played bridge but are as close as family.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; sister, Patti Soper; daughter, Amy Keepper and her husband David; son, Deke and his wife Beth; five grandchildren (Zoey, Lucy, Colby, Carson, and Parker) and his fur baby, Finnegan.
A service will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Bass-Smith Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends there starting at 3 p.m. that day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Larry to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Shepler
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
Marc Liebman
May 17, 2024
so sorry about Larry´s illness and passing. If Larry worked for Westinghouse in Indianapolis in 1967-68, I worked with him. I was his inside man. when he was called up, I took his position. I would love to her about how things went for him in Vietnam and after the war. If I have the correct person , send me a text at (412) 889-0516. My name is Marc Liebman.
DMc
December 10, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Penny Davis
May 28, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Hank & Penny Davis
Gail Drum
May 26, 2023
Hi Judy. I´m so sorry about the passing of your husband. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Gail Drum I knew you from Catawba County United Way.
Gigi Glasheen
May 25, 2023
So sorry to hear of Larry´s passing...wonderful man... love and prayers to the family.
Cousin Nancy
May 24, 2023
We will miss you cousin. I hope you are having a cocktail with our parents right now. Rest in peace, we love you!!
Mary Starnes
May 23, 2023
Dear Judy, so sorry to hear Larry has passed. I enjoyed working with him in the past. Prayers for you, your family and the "bridge club."
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Memorial Events
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May
25
Funeral services provided by:
Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory334 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC 28601
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