Alexander Hurlbutt Shepard III

Alexander H. Shepard, III, 90, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025. Alex was a rare and wonderful man whose selfless service, love, friendship and sense of humor were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Alex was born on June 27, 1935 in Durham, North Carolina and raised in Chapel Hill. He lived an idyllic childhood with fond memories including ringing the University of North Carolina bell to signal the end of World War II, playing “Army” with friends in the woods of an undeveloped Chapel Hill, and playing touch football as a pre-teen with young ladies from the UNC sorority house near his home. Alex treasured many lifelong friendships with those of his childhood and teen years.

Alex graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1953 where he served as class president and was a three sport “star” athlete. Alex spent several summers as a youth camp counselor in the mountains of Western North Carolina. He attended Davidson College, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Economics. While at Davidson, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and competed on the swim team. Within a week of college graduation, Alex began his service in the U.S. Navy. It was this transition that set the course for much of Alex’s future life.

Initial flight training took place in Pensacola, Florida with upper-level training being completed in Corpus Christi, Texas. It was in Corpus Christi in 1958 that he met the love of his life, Annette Renken. A whirlwind romance led to their marriage eight months later, on February 28, 1959. Their loving marriage lasted nearly sixty-seven years. Alex was the definition of a southern gentleman, and he and Annette modeled what a caring and nurturing partnership should be. Sons John and Doug were welcomed later.

Upon completion of naval training, Alex was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia where he served and flew for the next three years. Alex continued to serve his country for several years thereafter as part of the Naval Reserves. After his naval commitment was satisfied, a relocation to Atlanta, Georgia and a six month detour into the banking business world solidified Alex’s desire to not be chained to a desk.

In April of 1963, Alex began his employment with Delta Air Lines. Flying was his true passion, and he often said that he never worked a day in his life. He ascended through the ranks quickly to Captain, spending his entire thirty-two year career with Delta based in Dallas, Texas. Alex often commented that one of the joys of his career was being able to experience the uniqueness and professionalism of the people with whom he worked. Because of mandatory retirement requirements, Alex retired in 1995 at age 60 - otherwise he might still be flying.

Outside of work, family was a central focus for Alex and his military background manifested into a very structured, stable and loving environment. He was a dedicated father, coaching his sons’ youth sport teams and rarely missing a ballgame or event, often sacrificing the quality of his work schedule to attend.

Alex loved being physically active, outdoors and spending time in nature, evidenced by multiple week-long rafting trips down the Colorado river, competitive sailing, running race events and Sierra Club hiking trips. In later years, he focused on genealogy mapping and charitable work.

Alex is survived by his beloved wife Annette, sons John (Ann), Doug (Karen), grandchildren Kristen, Darby, Megan, Katie Roewe (Adam), and sister Mary O’Shaugnessy (Bill). He is also survived by three granddogs.

Interment with full military honors will be held in a private, family ceremony at Dallas / Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA of Texas.