Frederick Joseph Shepherd

Frederick Joseph "Babe" Shepherd
1939 – 2025

Frederick Joseph Shepherd, 86, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, with his beloved wife of 55 years, Jerrie, at his side, along with son Dan, daughter Terri, and dear friends Donna Horvath and LaRobyn Samuel.

Born the youngest of four children to Margaret and Harry Shepherd, Babe grew up in Washington County near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father worked in the coal mines and steel mills, while his mother, a devoted homemaker and church member, was the heart of the family. Babe's siblings-Harry, Robert, and Sandra-shared his love of sports. The Shepherd boys played together in the single-wing offensive backfield of Cecil High School football team. All three brothers went on to play college football while earning their degrees.

At age 18, Babe turned down a professional baseball contract offered by the Philadelphia Phillies to attend the University of Virginia on a football scholarship. Playing both ways as a running back and safety for the Cavaliers, he led the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing one season and was named to the All-Navy Opponent Team for his 100-plus-yard rushing performance against the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. Though the Washington Redskins sought to sign him after college, Babe instead served a two-year hitch in the U.S. Army, then dedicated himself to teaching and coaching in high schools.

He began his coaching career as an assistant at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Va., before becoming head coach at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Md. For 27 seasons, he built the Bulldogs football program into a powerhouse, amassing a career record of 209–78. Nearly a dozen of his players went on to the NFL, including one who led the nation in rushing during college and another who played in a Super Bowl. The program's family-like atmosphere, fostered by Fred and Jerrie's devotion to players, parents, and the community, became the foundation of its success. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Churchill High School named its football stadium in his honor.

Upon retirement, Fred and Jerrie moved to Basye, Virginia, where they spent their days golfing, skiing, and entertaining friends and family. Later, they settled in Aiken at Woodside Plantation, where they again found joy in golf and built lasting friendships. Faith was also an important part of their lives, and in Aiken they were devoted members of St. John's United Methodist Church, a Stephen Ministry Church.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Harry Shepherd. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jerrie Shepherd; children Dan Shepherd (Ann), Terri Kempthorn (Eric), Sharon Dawson (Danny), and Randy Shepherd; grandchildren Devan Rayner (Chris), Tyler Murphy (Annie), Daylon Murphy and Cole Shepherd; and great-grandchildren Braxton, Hayes, and Olivia. He is also survived by two brothers, Harry and Robert, and one sister, Sandra.

A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10 am, St. John's Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. NW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803 648 6891).

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (donorservices.alz.org) or The First Tee of Aiken (firstteeaiken.org), an organization empowering youth through the game of golf.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com