Harold Ray Sheppard

OBITUARY - HAROLD RAY SHEPPARD
Harold Ray Sheppard went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at the Lakehaven Nursing Home. Harold was born in Ozark, AL on January 31, 1926, to the late Minzo and Lois Sheppard, and had 2 brothers, James D. and Horace M. He graduated from Geneva (AL) High School and attended the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). During World War II, he served in the Army's 27th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater, obtaining the rank of Tech Sergeant.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Harold obtained employment with BF Goodrich in Tuscaloosa, AL. He continued working over the years in the accounting and finance fields in Valdosta at Giddens & Wilkes and at Modern Homes Construction Co. In Gainesville, FL, he worked for the Alachua County Tax Assessor. Moving back to Valdosta, he worked at Modern Diversified Industries and eventually started his own accounting firm, Ten-Forty, Inc. He finished his career working with Lee & Associates.

Harold met and married his wife Jean Riddell in Tuscaloosa, and were happily married for 54 years. Harold was a member of Northside Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving as Chairman of Deacons, Treasurer, and choir member. He was also known to play a little church league softball over the years. Most recently, he worked with the Upward Basketball program and with The Mailbox Club. In the community, he served faithfully with the Lions Club for many years as club treasurer. After Jean's death in 2005, Harold began a new adventure in writing and eventually authored 5 books, including a group of 60 children's sermonettes.

Harold is survived by his four children and spouses: Patricia (Kevin) Boyette of Apopka, FL, Phyllis(Clyde) Wolfe of St. Augustine, FL, Tommy (Rosemary) Sheppard of Valdosta, and David (Suzanne) Sheppard of Phenix City, AL. Additionally, Harold had 9 grandchildren, 1 step grandchild, and 2 step great grandchildren.

Many thanks to the staff of Lakehaven Nursing Home, Langdale Hospice House, and Smith Northview Hospital for their loving care and compassion. Special thanks also goes to the staff and many members of Northside Baptist Church, as well as to the friends in the community for their unending support and prayer. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carson McLane Funeral Home, 2215 N. Patterson St, in Valdosta. Services will be held at Carson McLane on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 2 p.m. with interment following at Sunset Hill Cemetary. Reverend Bob Willis and Reverend Greg Sheppard will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Langdale Hospice House in Valdosta or to Upward Basketball Program or the Mailbox Club at Northside Baptist Church. Condolences may be conveyed at www.mclanecares.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602