John Shepard

Mr. John Douglas Shepard was born March 23, 1922 in Browns Station, Alabama (Perry County) to Leola Tyler and Jimmie Shepard. He was known as (Mr. Shepard or "Pop") in the Pipe Shop community, where he lived for over eight decades. He confessed a love for Christ at a tent revival and was baptized at the 16th street AOH Church of God, under the leadership of Bishop Jasper Roby. In later years he untied with the New Generation Apostolic Church of God where Bishop Robert Ray serves as pastor. He maintained his Christian walk until his untimely demise. After servicing his country in the United Armed Forces, he was Honorably Discharged. He met and married the love of his life Freddie Mae Russell, August 12, 1947. To this union seven children were born- The Shepard Seven. With love in their hearts, together they raised their (10) children. Mr. Shepard, being an entrepreneur, started his own plumbing service and worked diligently until his retirement. He still serviced the community until his health failed well into his Eighties. In the early hours of July 25, 2012 he peacefully transitioned from his earthly life. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Freddie Russell Shepard; sons, Willie Jordan, John Tabb and Orlando Shepard; sisters, Alma Thomas, Lounette Marshall and Bernice Daniels; a granddaughter, Erica LaShun Terry. Cherishing his memories: four daughters, Mattie (Clifford) Ray, Valada (Claude) Terry, Doris Fleming, Evelyn (Clarence) Parker; three sons, John (Mamie)Shepard, Derrick (Annie) Shepard and Joel D. Shepard; three sisters-in-law, Fannie Russell (Larry) Holmes, Mary Russell and Lula B. Shepard; brother-in-law, Rufus J. Russell; devoted niece, Jackie Thomas Webb, twenty-three grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.