Harry Eugene Shepard Jr.

Harry Shepard Obituary

Harry Eugene Shepard, Jr., 71, of St. Augustine, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Hadlow Center Community Hospice of NE Florida in Jacksonville. Mr. Shepard was a native of Chattahoochee and had resided in St. Augustine for the past 11 years. He was a retired airline pilot with Pan American Airlines. He played jazz trumpet all over the country. Mr. Shepard was captain of the nationally famous aerobotic team "Redhawks," jet pilot on the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Independence, member of the Military Officers Club in St. Augustine, member of Military Officers Association of America, and aerobotic flight instructor for the U.S. Navy SEALS. Visitation with the family was at Lanier-Andler Funeral Home in Sneads, Fla., Monday, March 23, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will take place at the First Baptist Church, Chattahoochee, Tuesday, March 23, 2009, at 11 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Mile Allen. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Shepard of St. Augustine; one son, David Ellis of Pensacola, Fla.; one sister, Carolyn Grunner of Melville, N.Y.; special niece, Kristen Smith of Roslyn Harbor, N.Y.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lome Shepard. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, 207 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, FL 32084. Lanier-Andleer Funeral Home of Sneads, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by St. Augustine Record on Mar. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Shepard

7 Entries

Butch Mankovich

March 28, 2009

Dear Marlene, Sorry to hear of your loss...Harry was the most inovative pilot in the Airshow world. From the days of the Harry and Larry (Kinegry) show and Harry's Super Pinto jet act through the Red Hawk days, he stood as one of the greatest Stick and Rudder pilots in the business. The civilian canopy to canopy routine he perfected has been imitated but never equaled. I was proud to know Harry back in those days and prouder still when Harry and Carl (Pascarell) were part of the honor guard at my wedding to Barbara Demory as the opening act for the Sussex show. Barb had worked doing promotions for Harry in those days. The stories of Harry's exploits flying international for Pan Am entertained us for hours and the inovations he brought to the Airshow Industry are the stuff legends are made of...He will not be forgotten......God Bless

Martha Griffin

March 27, 2009

My deepest sympathy in the loss of this special son. I worked as Harry Sr.'s secretary for a few years, and worked adjacent to him for many more. He, as well as Loma, was so very proud of both Gene and Carolyn and their accomplishments in life, and rightfully so. "Mr. Shepard" as I knew him was a man of much integrity and high standards, and I still miss him. We traveled to FSU together, back in the early 70's, taking some business courses (business law and accounting). He was a real mentor to me, always delighting in learning and in serving others. I recall seeing the children only a couple of times, but clearly remember seeing Gene in that flight suit, visiting his dad in the Cashier's Office. Handsome! May God bless and keep each of you.

John Dudley

March 25, 2009

My parents tell me that Gene carried my infant body from the car into the house following my birth. Some of his love for aviation must have rubbed off on me, since from about age two all I wanted to do was fly airplanes.

Gene took me for a flight in his SF260 when I was 15, and taught me the basics of aerobatics. I will never forget performing a barrel roll with Gene and being proud of the result. Gene remarked: “that was excellent, John, and I expect no less of you.” Those words “I expect no less of you” have remained with me to this day. Gene encouraged perfection in aviation, knowing full well that it isn’t humanly possible.

Today as an airline pilot, Gene still flies with me.

John Dudley

Rudy Brabenec PAA

March 24, 2009

Dear Marilyn & Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your heart breaking loss. Gene will be greatly missed.

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gail shelby

March 24, 2009

Dear Carolyn, was so sorry to hear about Gene. I haven't seen him in a long time, but always thought he was such a smart boy. I know you will miss him. He was always interested in anything to do with flight, I remember his room filled with all kinds of things he had made. Our deepest sympathy to you & the family. Gail & Doug

Bobby Allen

March 24, 2009

Marlene and Carolyn, My deepest feelings for you and all your familys. Carolyn If you remember me:

Sonny and Samantha Dean

March 24, 2009

Our heart felt feelings go out to Carolyn and members of the family.

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