Robert Grady Sheppard, 82, of Huntsville, passed away on Friday. Mr. Sheppard, a native of Lexington Tennessee, graduated from Central High School in Memphis. He was a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard when it was activated in 1951 and served 21 months during the Korean conflict. Upon returning to Memphis, Mr. Sheppard attended Memphis State University during the day majoring in English and history. At night, he attended the University of Memphis School of Law. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 and graduated from Law School in 1958. He passed the Tennessee State Bar in 1958 and went to work for the Air Force at the Memphis depot where he worked for the Inspector General. In 1963, Mr. Sheppard was hired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in the Labor Relations Office. He continued in Federal service for 32 years ending his career at Marshall in 1995 as Director of Institution and Program Support. Many of his retirement years were spent building and enjoying his hunting cabin on Bingham Mountain, researching family history, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Norma Dean Sheppard; two sons, John David and his wife Beverly; James Richard and his wife Stephanie; two nephews, William and Scott Sheppard; and six grandchildren Andy, Joel, Claire Elizabeth, Sarah Grace, Alden, and Sierra. Mr. Sheppard was preceded in death by his parents, John Grady Sheppard and Dorothy Inez Lynn Sheppard; a brother, James Sheppard; and a sister June Sheppard.
Visitation will be from 11am to 12 pm Tuesday, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. at Laughlin Service Chapel. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Salvation Army.
