PHILADELPHIA – Services for V.B. Shepherd will be held today at 11 a.m. at Linwood Baptist Church, with the Revs. Mike Skinner and Tommy Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Neshoba County. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Mr. Shepherd, who would have been 90 on April 5, died Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Mississippi Veterans Nursing Home in Kosciusko, following a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.

    Following graduation from Linwood High School, Mr. Shepherd served with distinction in World War II in the European Theatre of Operations, being twice wounded in Germany and receiving the Purple Heart and other decorations.

    At the end of his war-time service, Mr. Shepherd returned to Mississippi and continued his education, graduating from East Central Junior College and Mississippi State University with a degree in agriculture and vocational technical education. He began a professional life of teaching, concluding with many years at Enterprise High School in Lincoln County, where he mentored a host of students who remained dedicated to him.

    After his retirement from public education, Mr. Shepherd operated a grocery store and laundry in the Linwood Community, near Union, and, later, after selling that business, he and his devoted wife engaged in a life together of traveling, following their favorite sports teams, and serving their church.

    Mr. Shepherd was a long-time deacon and served in other church leadership roles for well over 30 years. He was also able to engage in his passions of vegetable and ornamental gardening, planting orchards, landscaping, and growing perfect tomatoes. His interests were broad and he enjoyed reading and discussing politics and current events throughout his life.

    Mr. Shepherd was a man of character, faith and devotion to duty, who was much loved. His wisdom and love will be greatly missed. 

    He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years, Johnnie Kate McNair Shepherd; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

    He was preceded in death by his daughter, Glenda Kay; his parents, John Raymond and Della Shepherd; and his siblings: Rex Shepherd, Orval Shepherd and Eunice Caddo Allen. 

    The Shepherd Family expresses their gratitude to his many health and personal care providers during Mr. Shepherd’s illness and to the Linwood Church Community.