Robert Wendell Sheppard

ROBERT WENDELL SHEPPARD was born in Bushnell, FL on August 30, 1935 and later moved to Jacksonville in November 1941. He attended The Bolles School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1953. He graduated from Jacksonville University in 1963 where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi National Business Fraternity. His career with Independent Life began in 1956 and he retired as Vice President of Human Resources with 35 years of service. He was a board member of the National Foundation of March of Dimes, Administrative Management Society and American Society for Personnel Administration. Wendell traveled extensively and enjoyed visiting 117 countries, many several times. His primary hobby was needlepoint and had over 100 pieces with some as large as 4 feet by 6 feet.

Wendell was a longtime member of Avondale Baptist Church and currently is a member of Saint Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL. He is survived by his partner of 44 years, Walter Stutts; three children: J. David Sheppard, Sr. (Robin Giddens), Terri Sheppard Sullivan (Greg), Mark Howard Sheppard; five grandchildren: Shaun Daniel Sullivan (Melissa), Molly Giddens Sheppard, Samantha Sullivan Scalia; Alexandra Rae Sheppard, James D. Sheppard, Jr.; four great grandchildren: Rylan Grace Sullivan, Declan Gregory Sullivan, Mackenzie Amelia Scalio and Charlotte Rae Sheppard. He was predeceased by his brother, Roy Connor Sheppard, Sr.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1 in St. Paul's By The Sea Episcopal Church, 465 11th Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach with a private interment in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Funeral Home, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at https:/st.jude.org