Joel Henry Sheppard, 83, of Danbury, N.C., and formerly of Patrick Springs, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at North Pointe Assisted Living of Mayodan, N.C.
Joel was born May 15, 1932, in Patrick County, to Irvin and Minnie Sheppard. He grew up helping his parents run Sheppard’s Mill and Sheppard Brothers Store on the North Carolina/Virginia border. After graduating from Sandy Ridge High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS New Jersey and the USS Missouri during the Korean War.
He worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation, farmed, and retired as a residential contractor. Papa Joel, as he was known by those who loved him, was always willing to lend a helping hand, enjoyed woodworking, gardening and sharing the vegetables he grew with family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Hodge Sheppard, and his wife, Carol Tolbert Sheppard.
Survivors include daughters Tammy (Darryl) Smith of Stuart and Ann (Kenny) Robertson of Danbury; stepchildren Gloria Rakes and Guy DeShazo of Ridgeway; grandson Brandon (Brandy) Robertson of Danbury; great-grandson Austin Robertson of Danbury; and sister Izoria Gordon of Winston-Salem, N.C.; stepchildren Robin (Terry) Amos of Stuart; Chip Booker of Patrick Springs; Terry Booker of Georgia; step-grandchildren Hunter Booker, Ariel Booker; Alexander Booker; Eli Amos; and Kristy (Brandon) Hughes; and step-great-grandchildren Adalee and Emory Hughes.
A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2016, at Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel with Pastor Wayne Moore officiating. Burial was in Patrick Springs Memorial Gardens in Patrick Springs.
The family would like to thank the staff of North Pointe Assisted Living in Mayodan and Hospice of Rockingham County for their loving care of Joel. A special thank you goes out to Flossy, Muriel, Kathy and Mia for the love they gave Papa Joel over the last four years and to all the other North Pointe CNAs who loved Joel like their Papa.
Memorial donations may be made to Memory Care Unit – Activities, North Pointe Assisted Living, 6970 NC-135, Mayodan, NC 27027.
