George W. Sheppard

Dr. George William Sheppard, age 77, passed away Sunday, November 08, 2015 at his home in Columbus, Ohio following a courageous battle with heart disease, COPD, sarcoidosis and asthma. He was born December 14, 1937 to the late William Nathaniel Sheppard and C. Frances (Lawson) Sheppard in Columbus, Ohio. George was a graduate of Columbus East High School and served in the United States Air Force where he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska. He also received Master's Degrees and a PhD from The Ohio State University. George spent his professional career as a Licensed Independent Social Worker educating students at Ashland University, OSU and Columbus State Community College. He served as Director of Human Services and Vice President of Agency Relations at United Way of Franklin County, and retired from his private practice, Light House Counseling. George instituted and fostered innovative programs to aid in preventing juvenile delinquency, such as a mentorship program which connected community professionals with youth, as well as a midnight youth basketball program. He also served on numerous boards and social services agencies. He had a passion for helping soldiers with PTSD who could not get immediate help through Veterans' Services, and even after retirement, his work with veterans continued until he was no longer able. George was a member of Congregation Tifereth Israel Brotherhood and Jewish War Veterans. He was a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan and his dream was to live long enough to see them win a Super Bowl. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Marlene Sheppard. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine Avren Kravitz-Sheppard; oldest daughter, Mary Frances (Ron) Jones, daughter, Starla Elizabeth (Bernard) Muhammad; son, Dr. William Nathaniel (Shelley) Sheppard; daughter, Dr. Tiffany (Desmond) Shipp; step-children, Scott G. (Mary Margaret) Kravitz, Colonel Brian C. (Jeri Lynn) Kravitz, Brett A. (Laura) Kravitz; along with 13 grandchildren; many extended family members, colleagues and close friends. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43232 with interment to follow in New Tifereth Israel Cemetery; Rabbi Michael Ungar, officiating. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or extend condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (nchv.org) or COPD Foundation (COPDfoundation.org) in memory of Dr. George Sheppard.