William Sheppard

William E Sheppard, Sr., 81 William (Bill) E. Sheppard, Sr. died December 18, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Bill died peacefully at home surrounded by many loving family members. Bill was born May 29, 1937 in Wadsworth, Ohio to the late Hubert and Grace Sheppard. After marrying his sweetheart Nancy Bauer, they resided the rest of their lives in Copley, raising two children, Bill Jr. and Brenda. Bill worked at the Ohio Match Company and later the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he worked for 34 years, from August 19, 1967 until his retirement on June 1, 2001. Bill was best known for his friendliness and good humor. There was nowhere in the country he and his family traveled where he did not find a friend. If it wasn't someone he already knew, he would easily strike up a conversation with a stranger. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Nancy, his brothers Russell and Chuck, and his sister Beverly. He is survived by his children William (Leah) Sheppard, Jr. and Brenda (Darrell) Gaug, as well as his six grandchildren Daniel (Ericka) Sheppard, Kayla (Brad) Hauenstein, Jacob Sheppard, Sarah (Robert) Gangle, Andrew Gaug, and Rebekah Sheppard, and two great grandchildren, Gloria and Astrid. He is also survived by his brother Derald (Shirley) Sheppard, as well as many beloved sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and cousins. He will also be missed by his golf, bowling, and euchre buddies. The family would like to give a special, heartfelt thank you to his caregivers Deb, Dee, Stannett, Tim, and Tina, and all the wonderful people from Great Lakes Caring Home Health and Hospice who watched over him, especially Brandon and Tanya. Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life open house and dinner at his home on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice Foundation, Attn: Lisa Nielson, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, Michigan, 49202 or at www.greatlakescaringhospicefoundation.org.