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On December 14, 2023, Gary Trond “Papaw” Shepard Sr. departed this earth and entered into his Heavenly home to forever be with the Lord and his loved ones who have gone on before. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Pearl Shepard; his sisters, Betty Sue Lowe and Peggy Maston; and his brothers, Dave and Acyle Shepard Sr.
While his family is heartbroken to lose such a loving husband and father, as well as a devoted fun loving grandfather and great-grandfather, they know it is just “Goodbye for now.”
“Papaw” never met a stranger and was happiest when giving to others and serving the Lord. He was a very active member of Roan Street Church of God in Elizabethton.
Those left behind to carry on his Godly example include his wife of 64 years, Ruth; his four sons, Gary (Betsy), Alan Sr. (Tracy), Daren (Joy), and Scott (Leanne); his grandchildren, Alan Jr. (Tristyl), Rhonda Blevins (Andy), Leanna Kodak (Jared), Hannah Guyn (Steven), Brandon, Brent, and Weston Glover; and his great-grandchildren, Thomas and Rosie Shepard, Mason and Spencer Blevins, Levi, Clayton, Ella and Wayde Kodak, Ava and Camden Guyn.
A Service to Celebrate the Life of Gary Trond Shepard will be conducted at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, at Roan Street Church of God with Pastor Jody Bewley and Pastor Ken Bewley officiating. The graveside service and Interment will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, will be Alan Shepard, Jr., Andy Blevins, Steven Guyn, Jared Kodak, Thomas Shepard and Mason Blevins. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Range, Bill Weddle, Paul Sams, Charlie Burkett, Harry Stallard, Eric Shepard and Acycle Shepard Jr. The family would like to recognize and thank the staff of Amedisys and give special thanks to the nurses, Megan, Heather and Stacey, for their hand in allowing Papaw to remain in his home. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Roan Street Church of God. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Shepard family.