Sam Bossieux Shepard

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Wallace Shepard and Jo Goodman Shepard.

Known as “Bossieux” to his immediate family, Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Bruce Shepard; his children, Temple Gracza (John) and Bruce Goodman Shepard (Christine); grandchildren, Paige (Zach), Sammy, Emma Kate (JD), Maggie (Max), and Landon; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Blaire; his brother, Van Shepard (Agnes); his brother-in-law, Rowlett Bruce (Ree); his great-granddog, Moose; and many extended family members and friends.

Sam was born in Farmville, Va and raised on Buffalo Farm in Buckingham County. An excellent athlete, he was captain of the Buckingham High School basketball team that competed in the state tournament. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he played third base on the baseball team his freshman year before deciding that his studies required his full attention. Sam was also a proud member of the VPI Corps of Cadets and graduated in 1961 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

On June 24, 1961, Sam married his high school sweetheart, Betty. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years, stationed in Aberdeen, Maryland. Following his military service, he moved to Newport News, where he worked at the shipyard until 1972. The family then relocated to Alexandria, Virginia, where Sam and Betty raised their family. Sam worked for NAVSEA (part of the Navy Department) until his retirement in 2006. In 2012, Sam and Betty moved to Midlothian, where they enjoyed the friendships and community they found in the Ashington neighborhood.

Sam loved following Virginia Tech sports, his grandchildren’s various activities, taking family vacations to Nags Head, and dog-sitting his first grand-dog, Patton. He took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as nothing was more important to him than his family. A well-respected man of few words, Sam spoke with a purpose…when he did speak, you knew it was something meaningful. In his final days, Sam shared these words that perfectly reflected his life and values: “Family is important, and we’ve got a good one.”

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 5-7pm at Woody Funeral Home - Huguenot Chapel.

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Friday, May 22 at Salem United Methodist Church, 2160 Ca Ira Rd, Cumberland, VA 23040.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Crater Community

Hospice and Letitia for their compassionate care, comfort, and love during Sam’s final weeks.