Throughout his life and ministry, Adrian connected with people from every walk of life — as a mentor, friend, counselor, and confidant. He had a rare gift for making everyone he met feel valued, and he built lasting friendships across every community he touched. Those who knew Adrian remember his warmth, his humor, his steady faith, and a smile that reflected the joy he found in others. Adrian also proudly served his country as a Seaman in the U.S. Navy Reserve prior to answering his call to the ministry.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce Hathaway Shepard, and his sons, Kevin McCrae Shepard (Sherri) and their children, Courtney and Collin (Caroline), and Kristoffer Bruce Shepard (Emy) and their children, Madeleine, Ava, and Andrew. Adrian was preceded in death by two sons, Kirby Dale Shepard and Kenneth Adrian Shepard.
A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at United Advent Christian Church, 4912 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28412.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Adrian's memory to support the Cardiac Rehab program at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The Cardiac Rehab program gave us many more years with Adrian than we expected, and for that we are eternally grateful. Memorial gifts can be made online at https://give.nhrmc.org/newhanover by listing Adrian Shepard as the honoree, selecting NHRMC Heart & Vascular Institute from the drop-down options, and typing "Cardiac Rehab" in the comments. Gifts may also be mailed to NHRMC Foundation, 2605 Iron Gate Dr Ste 100, Wilmington, NC 28412, with "Adrian Shepard - Cardiac Rehab" in the memo line.
