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John Franklin Shepherd
Born - July 11, 1946 in Asheville, NC
Married - Mrs. Elaine Houston Cook
Born - September 27, 1948 in Franklin, NC
Two Known Children:
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Robert Banks Shepherd
Born - May 10, 1958 in Statesville, NC
Married - April 14, 1990 to Kari Lynn Klarner
Born - March 27, 1960
Two Known Children:
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Information collected and submitted by Sandra Shepherd Blevins.
Obituary of Ralph Franklin Shepherd
Ralph Franklin Shepherd, of Monroe, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 31, 2014. He was born July 8, 1920, in Grassy Creek. Ralph was the fifth child of Grover and Ethel Shepherd. Formerly of Statesville, and then retiring to Burnsville, he was a lifelong Baptist, and was a member and former deacon of First Baptist Church of Burnsville. Mr. Shepherd was a graduate of Berea College in 1942, with a Major in Agriculture/Minor in Agricultural Sciences. His professional career began as a County Farm agent in Yancey County, progressing to Iredell County, where he was a longtime resident. After a successful move to the sales industry, as a SE Zone Manager for Rusco Industries, he operated his own Service Glass & Builders Specialty Company for several years, and then formed his own real estate company, Shepherd Realty. In retirement in Burnsville, he was active in politics for many years, and was the Chairman of the Board of Elections for Yancey County for three years. While active in both church life and politics, his greatest interests and love were of his heritage of a rural farm life and family. He was very proud of his achievements as a Shriner and Mason. He was married to the former Joyce Banks Shepherd for 67 years, the love of his life, who predeceased him in 2010. He is survived by a son, John (Elaine), from Fort Mill, S.C.; two step grandsons, Eric Cook, of Honolulu and Ashley (Kelley), of Fort Mill, S.C., and their two children Gabbey and Christian. He is survived by another son, Robert (Kari), and their two children Stefani and Joshua. Ralph is also survived by one brother, Mont Shepherd, of West Jefferson and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Shepherd's love of the farm life never faded. He valued his friendships that were long and true and the close relationships with his brothers and sisters. He lived life his with integrity and his moral compass was true, and that is the legacy he leaves behind for his family. Cremation arrangements were handled by Heritage Funeral Home. There is to be a private family memorial at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a memorial in his name should send to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Blvd., Memphis, TN 38105.