Sheppard, Gary Reed

Gary Reed Sheppard, 76, of Riner, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Montgomery Regional Hospital.

He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict where he received a Bronze Star Metal for bravery for his actions in saving countless lives. A true friend to all he met, he was a person who would give everything he had to someone else in need.

Son of the late Rev. Oather and Blaine Sheppard he was also preceded in death by brothers, James Lee and Seldon. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Rena Sheppard; children and their spouses, Karen and Jerry Crawford, Larry and Barbara Sheppard, Barry and Brenda Sheppard, Brenda and Stephen Lilly, Linda and Marvin Orange; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pricilla and Bill Atkinson, Shawsville, Va., Ava and Herbert Cox, Christiansburg; a sister-in-law, Edna Mae Sheppard; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend , he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Horne Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2008 in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Richard Kingrea, the Rev. Tony Atkinson and the Rev. Leon Alley. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with graveside military rites.

The Sheppard family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va., (382-2612) Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.