Ralph Sheppard

Candler, Ralph Thomas Sheppard, age 89, of Georges Branch Road, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Charles Leighton and Zena Smathers Sheppard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Emma Wilson Sheppard, who died in 1989; two sisters and four brothers. He was a United States Army Veteran having served in WWII. He retired from Champion International with 35 years service. Mr. Sheppard's life included putting God first, being a faithful Sunday school teacher where he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was currently a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church. Mr. Sheppard also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Bessie, hiking, fishing and gardening. Second only to his love of God was the love he had for his family. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Bessie Sorrells Sheppard of Candler; two sons, David Sheppard of Sophia, NC and Daniel Sheppard of Canton; three daughters, Zena King and her husband, James, of Raleigh, NC; Annie Whitner and her husband, Ben, of Waynesville; and Polly Palmer and her husband, Jeff, of Bethel; two stepsons, Ronnie Robinson and his wife, Brenda, of Candler and Roger Robinson of Candler; one sister, Mary Laten Sheppard of Canton; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Ridgeway Baptist Church with Reverend Jack W. Collins and Reverend Kevin Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will follow. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Broyhill Children's Home, 111 Sneed Drive Clyde, NC 28721.

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