Ralph Estella and Ralphael Sheppard

XENIA — Ralph Sheppard was born October 15, 1930 in Lake City, Florida, Columbia County to the union of Marie Sherman Sheppard and Lee Wesley Sheppard. He passed away peacefully November 25, 2018. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. He graduated from Richardson High School, Lake City Florida. Ralph enlisted and served in the United States Army from October 1951 to 1953. He fought valiantly in the Korean War. He earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, four Battle Stars, and a U.S. Service medal in service to his country. Upon returning home he got involved in the fight to end segregation and obtain civil rights as well as voting rights for African American. Ralph graduated from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. His early career was dedicated to the success of several historically Black Collage and Universities across the country. He served as business manager of the following HBCU's: Edward Waters Collage, Jackson Florida; Wiley College, Marshall Texas; Bishop College, Dallas Texas; Wilberforce University and Central State University. Wilberforce, Ohio. He was a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He ended his professional career working with the United States Department of Energy at Mound Laboratory. He joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he served many years of Christian service as a deacon and financial administrator.

Estella Wright Sheppard was born on February 12, 1934 in Daytona Florida to Estella Wright and Soil Wright. She passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2018. She graduated from Campbell Senior High School with honors. Estella received an academic scholarship to Florida A & M and she graduated with a bachelor of science in chemistry. Estella taught chemistry, math and science in the Florida school district and the Dayton Public school system.

Ralphael Sheppard was born on March 21, 1961 in Daytona Florida to the union of Ralph and Estella Sheppard. She passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2018. Her parents instilled the need for education to her and she being an obedient young lady went to Central State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. She had been employed at Huntington Bank. The Sheppards leave to cherish their memory children, Ralph Norman Sheppard, and Winston Wright Sheppard ; brother, Taylor Sheppard (Bettie); sisters-in-law, Mattie Renee Sheppard, Claudia Miles and Betty Jean Griggs; brothers-in-law, Jerro Shaw Sr., Alphonso Griggs, James Carlton and Alfred Wright; grandsons, David Anthony Sheppard, Jonathan Elijah Tunstall and Simeon Tucker; great granddaughter, Damiyah Nicole Sheppard, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, acquaintances and associates. Funeral Services for Ralph, Estella and Ralphael Sheppard will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 34 West Mulberry Street, Springfield, Ohio. Visitation will be 4:00 pm with family present at 5:00 pm until time of service which will be at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Ernest C. Brown Sr. officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home.