Johnnie "Tom" Junior Sheppard

Tom Sheppard fell asleep in Christ and went to his heavenly home on August 2, 2019 and is waiting the rapture and resurrection of his body into life everlasting. He was a lifetime resident of Live Oak, Florida, born February 5, 1927. He lived a life full of work, service of others, and enjoying the pleasures of living on a farm and fishing in the Suwannee River. Tom served in the Navy during World War II, and learned to be an electrician while serving. Although he started out as a farmer, Tom began working as an electrician and later had his own company, Sheppard Electric. He was a man who never really retired. Although he did not work every day after about 70 years, he still remained "on call" for his friends, neighbors, or his church. He was a member of the Gideons and loved being able to place Bibles in hotel rooms and passing them out to school children. He served as a Deacon at Orange Baptist Church and Westwood Baptist Church. He also served in Campers on Mission to help build churches in many towns located in several states across the south. Since he was an electrical contractor, he would head up the wiring of the churches. A member of the American Legion, Tom was always a proud American Patriot. He was an excellent role model for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of whom respected him and loved him dearly. Those who knew him best, knew he was a man of few words. Tom always had a sweet smile on his face and if asked how he was doing, the response was always "great" or "fine" even in challenging times. Tom leaves behind his wife of almost 70 years, Betty Sheppard, daughter, Cindy (Sandy) Sauls of Tallahassee, grandchildren, all of Tallahassee, Amy Wright, Cindy (Robert) Kynoch, James (Shannon) Sauls, great grandchildren, Genevieve Kynoch, William Kynoch, Audry Ann Sauls and James Henry Sauls. He also survived by a brother, Robert (Evelyn) Sheppard of Live Oak, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Ferbia (Hayes) Sheppard, a son, Tommy Sheppard, a grandchild, Christy Sauls, a brother, Reid Sheppard, and sisters, Ruth Jolly, Eunice Tomlinson, and Evelyn Buchanan. As a believer in Jesus Christ, Tom lived a lifetime of experiencing the greatness of the Lord's unfailing love, grace and faithfulness. The service were held,  Tuesday, August 6, 3:15 PM at Westwood Baptist Church with Dr. Ben Bush officiating. Viewing and visitation was held from 12:00 noon till 1:00 PM at the Church.  Private family burial followed in the Orange Baptist Church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International or a Christian organization of choice.