Kenneth Sheppard

Kenneth Shepherd was born March 17, 1947, to the late Vera Hadley Shepherd and Joe Shepherd in Cairo, Georgia. He was baptized at an early age at White Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from Washington Consolidated High School in 1966, and shortly after, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served our country from 1966-1968.  While in the Army, he completed the Airborne Course, received the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Medal (Rifle M-14), and was proud to be a Green Beret.

After leaving the Army, he attended Albany Technical College, majoring in auto mechanics. During this time, he began working at Firestone Tire Company in Albany, Georgia, where he was employed for twenty years. After the closing of the Firestone Plant, he began to work for Miller Brewing Company (Miller-Coors) in security services and was employed there for over twenty-seven years.

He was united in matrimony to Jahazel Hunter in July 1970 and later divorced after 45 years of marriage. From that union, they had two children, Dexter Stephon Shepherd, and Kennie Raviie Shepherd.

Kenneth was an avid hunter and fisherman and he was a member of the Albany Bass Buster's Fishing Club. He was known for being an outstanding bass fisherman, but he really enjoyed any kind of fishing, as long as the fish were big. He also enjoyed hunting deer and doves and was a member of the Outdoor Sportsman Association. He loved to hunt large deer and for his efforts, he won the Jonathan Powell Big Buck Award during the 1993-1994 hunting season.

Fishing and hunting provided him the opportunity to build stronger bonds with family and friends. He enjoyed teaching people how to fish, and more importantly, how to catch the big ones. His smile and his laughter were infectious, which attracted others to want to be his fishing and hunting buddy. He was eager to give advice when needed and loved to tell a few jokes. He was quite hospitable, always eager to show people a good time. His fun-loving personality made it easy to speak and engage with people from all age groups.

Preceding him in death are his parents, sister, Elouise Gordon, and brother, Robert Shepherd, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his legacy and memories to his children: Dexter Stephon Shepherd, Kennie Raviie Shepherd, LaDon Gurley (LaQuan), and Montrell Seay; two siblings, Thelma Caldwell and Vera Shepherd; grandchildren, Shemesha Shepherd, Dexter Shepherd, Jr., Dontavious Gurley, Jy’Nijah Gurley, and Kentavious Gurley.  He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; as well as, special friend, Ms. Barbara Forde.

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