Walter Phillip (Bud) Shepherd

On Friday July 15, 2016, Walter Phillip (Bud) Shepherd was joyfully received into the arms of his Lord and Savior. Walt, who was also known as “Pa”, was born on September 17, 1937 in Inman, Virginia to Verdie and Walter James Shepherd.

He worked at CE Air Preheater from its inception until the doors closed. Rather than retiring, he spent his remaining years ministering to others through his handyman skills.  He loved God with all his heart and dedicated his life to honoring Him. His kindness extended far beyond his family, reaching out into his community. Everyone he met was received with a warm smile, a handshake, and a treat from his bag full of candy.

He was a longtime member and deacon of Cross Memorial Baptist Church, where he was involved in many ministry areas.

Along with his parents, Pa was predeceased by a baby son, Timothy Phillip Shepherd, as well as ten siblings.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Loretta Hensley Shepherd; daughters Tammy Shepherd Walls and her husband, Guy; Tonya Shepherd Newton and her husband, Johnny; and his son, Terry Shepherd, and his wife Amy Edwards Shepherd.

Pa has seven grandchildren, who will greatly miss his love, guidance, and mentoring in Christ. They are Mandi (his little Buzz Saw) Hawkins Pittman and her husband, Jeremy; Johnathon Newton and his wife, Hollie; Dusty Hawkins and his wife, Jennifer; Chris Newton and his wife, Sarah; Stephanie Poteat and her husband, Andrew; Misty (Leanna) Walls Camp and her husband, Wes; and Josiah (Pa’s Little Jo) Shepherd.

His great-grandchildren are Eli and Jake Pittman, Christopher, Gina, Hunter, Greyson, Presley Newton, and Hailey (Pa’s Little Comet) Hawkins.

He also has one surviving sister, Flo Shepherd Johnson and her husband, Bill, as well as many nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Raymond Whitfield officiating.  Interment will follow at Cross Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

The family would like to thank Hospice of McDowell County, for their devoted care during his last days. They are especially grateful for his nurse Christi Ward and Chaplain Diane Brooks, along with his oncologist, Dr. Deborah Bradley and her staff, who were truly regarded as family.

While flowers are appreciated, the family prefers honoring Pa’s memory through donations to Hospice of McDowell County, 575 Airport Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752 or by visiting www.hospiceofmcdowell.org.