Carl Lee Shepherd, age 102, passed away on November 8, 2026. Born on November 21, 1923, in Florence, Texas, Williamson County, Carl was the youngest of eight children born to Ira and Eola Shepherd. He was cherished and beloved by those who knew him, remembered with deep respect for a life marked by devotion, compassion, and steady kindness.
Carl graduated from Florence High School and, answering the call of his country with quiet resolve and an adventurous spirit, enlisted in the United States Navy. He served from 1942 to 1945 during World War II aboard the USS Rocky Mountain as a gunnery mate—work that demanded discipline, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty.
On May 5, 1945, Carl married Willodean Elliott. Together they built a life defined by faithfulness and care, raising two children and welcoming lots of grandchildren. For 79 years, their home in Hyde Park was a place of constancy and warmth—filled not only with family, but with all kinds of animals that reflected the generous, kind-hearted way Carl and Willodean lived.
Carl also left a lasting imprint on the community through his work, having a hand in building many of the commercial buildings in and around the Austin area. Beyond his working years, his love for the outdoors remained a steady joy. He loved to hunt and farm, and he spent as much time as he could in the country—drawn to open skies, honest work, and the peace found beyond the city limits.
Hope there’s deer hunting in Heaven.
