Committal
The Reverend Doctor Bob D. Shepherd of Morganton, NC, passed away at the age of 93 on Sunday, April 30, 2023, after a short illness. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife of 71 years, his 4 children and a son-in-law.
Bob felt called to church ministry in 1955 and lived each day serving God and spreading God's word. He loved serving at each of his pastorates which included Bullock Baptist Church in Granville County, NC, First Baptist Church in Mooresville, NC, First Baptist Church in Sanford, NC, and First Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. After his retirement in 1994, he served as Interim Pastor at 14 other churches. Also, during his work life, he served as Vice President for Advancement at Gardner Webb University.
His contributions to the communities in which he lived were numerous. He served 3 terms as Chairman of the General Board of the Baptist State Convention and also Chairman of the Executive Committee. He served 8 years as Trustee at
Wake Forest University, including special committees serving Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital, Wake Athletics and the formation of the Wake Forest School of Divinity. He also served 8 years as Trustee at Gardner Webb University. In 1994, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Gardner Webb University and in 1998 the Bob D. Shepherd Chair of Biblical Studies was established in the GWU School of Divinity. Bob was also especially proud of being named a Paul Harris Fellow and of his 60-year Rotary Club membership.
Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jesse Talmadge Shepherd and Mamie Tickle Shepherd and his five siblings.
He leaves behind his wife, Dolores Vinson Shepherd; daughter, Karen Johnson (Ray) of Morganton; son, B. Dale Shepherd, Jr (Gayemell) of Seven Lakes NC; daughter, Vicki Morgan (Michael) of Chapel Hill NC; son, Noel Shepherd of Winston Salem NC; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023 in the parlor of First Baptist Church. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. in the church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to send memorial donations to First Baptist Church in Morganton or to Gardner Webb University School of Divinity for the Bob D. Shepherd Chair.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Martin Gessner, Dr. Walter Pearcy, and the wonderful staff at Amorem Hospice in Valdese, NC.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Rev. Dr. Bob D. Shepherd.
Dear Delores and family. We can rejoice that Bob has passed to his Heavenly home, but feel the loss of his presence here on earth. Thinking of you and praying for you and your family as you go through these trying days. Love, Priscilla
Bob and I were close friends who worked on many projects together, starting with Sunday morning chapel services at Grace Hights, worked together with the then MAMA (Morganton Area Ministerial Association) and numerous other area religious ministries. He will be greatly missed! God bless the family!
Dear Dolores and family….So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. His friendship, especially to John, will never be forgotten. So many wonderful memories to cherish. We were truly blessed to travel this road called life with you both. All my love and prayers to comfort you. Ann Giles Falls
The Rotary Club of Morganton would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Dolores and the entire Shepherd family. We were honored to have Bob as one of our most distinguished members and to have him serve as a Rotarian for over 60 years. A true example of our motto "Service Above Self". Bob was always ready to share an amusing story with us and raise our spirits. Thank you for sharing him with us over the years - he will be sorely missed.
Bob was an extraordinary human being, always kind, always welcoming, always full of good cheer. We served together in the Morganton Rotary Club for many years as well as on several community organizations. I am grateful for every encounter I had with this good man. Maya Angelou once said that you may not remember the words a person says, but you'll always remember how he made you feel. Bob made everyone feel included and loved. Requiescat in pace; resurgemus in gloria!
Pastor Shepherd was a wonderful minister and friend. Our sympathy to the family.
To the Bob Sheppard family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Daddy Bob. Mama D, know that he is alive with his father in heaven. He has just changed addresses. Keep the faith and promise in your heart that God will take care of you until we all meet him in paradise some day. He was such a wonderful inspiration to so many people. I will always remember the time he planted a huge tomato on my upside down plant (it was so great). Just one example of how great he enjoyed life and valued friendship. Jackie and I Love you all with all our hearts. May the Lord bless and keep you, and may you dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of your lives.
Delores, you and Bob have been such a blessing in my life throughout the years. Much love, prayers and condolences to you and your family. Kari Word
Deloris and family, Dr Shepherd has been a wonderful blessing to so many throughout NC. He is loved by everyone who was blessed to have known him. First Baptist Church of Lincolnton was one of the churches in which he served as interim. His smiling picture hangs on the wall of our church. During some challenging times he brought a loving stability when it was needed. He and his wife exuded love for our people. They made a difference. We , at First Baptist Church of Lincolnton are grateful to God for their willingness to share their love and wisdom with us. Joseph Dixon Free Retired Pastor of FBC, Lincolnton
The Gardner-Webb campus is a little quieter today, having lost our dear friend and colleague. He was a shining example of all that we strive to be. We are blessed for having known him.