Charles Eugene "Gene" Shepherd

Charles Eugene “Gene” Shepherd of Greeneville, passed away early Christmas morning, with his wife and daughter by his side. He completed a very brave and courageous seven-year battle against an extremely rare and incurable disease known as Hairy Cell Leukemia Variant.

Mr. Shepherd was the owner of rental properties, and retired in 2013 after more than four decades of owning and operating Shepherd Auto Sales. He was an automobile enthusiast from a very young age, and this passion and interest later became his primary occupation. He joined the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Gen. G.M. Randall and the U.S.S. Amphion. In his military service, he made 27 round trips transporting troops across the Atlantic Ocean during his 4-year enlistment. Prior to forming his automobile dealership, he worked at Shepherd Sales Co., which was his father’s retail business. He then joined as an employee with the Greeneville Fire Department.

He enjoyed restoring classic automobiles, and years of motorcycle riding. Being an avid fan, he and his wife traveled to numerous Antique Auto Auctions, Nascar races, and participated in area and non-local classic car shows.

As a 56 year member of the First Church of God, he faithfully served in various capacities especially during his younger years. Those close to him knew him as exuding a usually quiet nature who possessed a kind heart, selflessness, and high moral principles. He was known for his strong work ethic, his pleasant and quick wit, an incredible sense of current national and international events, his common-sense reasoning, a keen level of intelligence, and the consistent transparency and fairness he exhibited to others. Expressing tremendous integrity, he led by example and possessed a deep belief in Biblical teachings. His faith never waivered even during the painful trials of his major illness. The concern and prayers for his family, and his dedication, love and devotion to them was simply immeasurable.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 58 years, Faye Shipley Shepherd. His caring and devoted daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Shepherd Crum and D. Russell “Russ” Crum. His special granddaughter, Alyssa Crum Davis, and her husband, Dalton. And, his very special great-granddaughter Blakley Haven Crum, who affectionately refers to him as her “Daddy Gene”. Survivors include an Aunt, Ina Moncier. First Cousins: Sandra (Raymond A.) Smith, Michael (Patty) Moncier, Archie (Linda) Moncier, Keith (Jo) Roberts, Nancy Daniels, Pansy Baughard, Guy Wilhoit, Marlene Uehlein. Sisters-in-law: Linda Joyce Shipley, and Joyce Ann Shipley. Nieces and Nephews: Kevin (Angie) Shipley, Paul (Paula) Shipley, Jonna (Rob) Rhea, John (Staci) Shipley; Jada (Matt) Ball. Several other cousins, great-nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Naomi (Miller) Shepherd. His father and mother-in-law, Guy and Mary (Moncier) Shipley, and his brothers-in-law Johnny Shipley and Hugh Allen Shipley. His grandparents, J.M. “Mead” and Emeline (Fletcher) Shepherd, and A.F. “Fain” and Mellie (Gray) Miller.

The family will receive friends at Kiser-Rosehill funeral home from 2-4 pm and 5-7 pm, Friday, December 28, with the funeral service at 7pm in their chapel. Friends and family are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10 am on Saturday morning, to join in procession for the graveside service and interment at Union Chapel Cemetery. Pastor Nathan Leasure and Pastor Darrell Sovine will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Russ Crum, Mike Ferguson, Wayne Jackson, Rick Legard, Bob Moore, and Kenny Ray.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike Bryant, Charles and Jerry Avery, Michael Moncier, Archie Moncier, Keith Roberts, Tommy Haun, Chris Bowers, Phil Birdwell, Mike Previtera, Matthew Hensley, Don Wisecarver, Austin Wilhoit, Dr. Craig Shepherd, Angie Lawson, Wendy Nease, Gary Ross, Jeff Roberts, Alex McLean, Dennis Hensley, Johnny Honeycutt, Charles Ellenburg, Steve Hall, Brab Gregg, Bill Noland; Susan Alexander and Lora Reaves; The 1960-70’s Builders Class of First Church of God; Lisa Hopson & Chris Ferrell of Laughlin Short-Stay Surgery; Dr. Charles Montgomery; Dr. Dharmen Patel & Dr. Anil Tumkur and their team; Dr. David S. Morgan, Leslie Goebel and Michael Vaughan of Vanderbilt University Medical Center; the caring & supportive team made up of Pam Burbank, Donna Freshour, Linda McCracken, Karin Besser and Kailey Gasikins from Lisa Crum’s State Farm Agency.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice, or to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VUMC Gift and Donor Services, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 900, Nashville, TN 37203-1197), The American Cancer Society, The American Diabetes Association, or to The First Church of God (1505 W. Main St, Greeneville, TN 37743).