Welcome to the memorial page for
Walter Orion Sheppard
June 20, 1920 ~ July 10, 2017 (age 97) 97 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from norman henry tribbett
July 28, 2017 11:35 AM
My head filled with memories hearing of Walter's death. I recall the many times I sat with Walter as we discussed history or current events. His love of family history, Florida and his sincere interest in others and the conversation of the moment will be with me forever. We have lost a library. Love to Walter. NORMAN
Message from Nancy Casey
July 19, 2017 3:15 AM
Mr, Walter O. Sheppard, Jr. was role model in my life and is part of whimImam in the Lee County community today. I met him and 1970 when he was simply Barb and Cindy Shepherd's father. They loved and respected him immensely. Lee county's population at that time was less than 100,000 and now it exceeds 750,000, hence not a small town after all.
Message from Yankeetown FLorida
July 17, 2017 11:35 AM
My first cousin Walter Sheppard was a longtime hero to me. Because we lived in different places we hardly had any time together, something I missed. I always loved aviation and Walter's flying career was his greatness to me. We always planned on getting together but time and age didn't comply. Will be missed.
Helen Digges Spivey
Helen Digges Spivey
Message from Shuri Lynn Sheppard
July 16, 2017 3:22 PM
I have always called Walter O. Sheppard, Jr. my "Dad" as he was once my father in law and I still feel that way about him to this very day! I love him and his wonderful family as if they were still my own. What a wonderful tribute they have made to him, I could not keep the tears from flowing. But it was the true story of his life. He loved his life, his family,and all of his friends. Had many and that in itself was a blessing. Please know that my prayers are with you all for you have had such a great loss. A truly Great and admirable man! Love always, Shuri Sheppard
Message from Sheila and Jerry Laboda
July 16, 2017 10:49 AM
Walter was a Patriot, a friend and a gentleman in every sense of the word. We enjoyed our years sharing airplanes, stories and good times in North Carolina. We feel fortunate to have had Walter in our lives. Sincere condolences to the the family.
Message from Donna Hay
July 16, 2017 9:53 AM
One of the very best! Love and prayers to his family.
Message from Johnny and Ellen Shjeppard
July 16, 2017 7:03 AM
Ellen and I wanted to express something that I didn't clearly express yesterday. Walter realized the thin thread that life hangs on when he was 23 in the Pacific. It took me until I was 48 and lost our son Jay to comprehend that life can be short or long-- we don't know 'til we get there. So what we need to do and Walter learned as he landed and took off in the choppy seas. And I later is that Life and each day of it is a gift and an opportunity. We need to treasure it and seek to find to make good use of each day we have, say the things that ought to be said and do the things that we can do for others-- that appear to us and as we are able each day. We need to live out each day of our life with the enthusiasm , wonder and joy as if it were our first and with the commitment to use it well as if it were our last.
And I recall telling Walter the story about two Irishmen who were in a bar drinking and an evangelistic preacher came in and began preaching "Salvation" in a loud voice.He yelled out I want anyone who wants to go to heaven to step forward and come over here and I will give you the ticket to ride. One by one all of the men sitting at the bar came over and he'd call again. Finally there was but one left at the Bar-- and the Preacher called to him by name and said Donegan, don't you want to go to Heave," Donegan replied "Ay, I do, but me thought you was getting up la load for tonight.I'm not quite ready yet."
I told Walter and he agreed I'm ready when HE is but not quite yet. Gotta few things yet I'd like to get done afore I leave." So every time Walter and I had a talk I'd always say to him before leaving "I'm ready when HE is, but not quite yet." Walter would smile and say I agree. And that's the way he lived his life to the last breath.".
And I recall telling Walter the story about two Irishmen who were in a bar drinking and an evangelistic preacher came in and began preaching "Salvation" in a loud voice.He yelled out I want anyone who wants to go to heaven to step forward and come over here and I will give you the ticket to ride. One by one all of the men sitting at the bar came over and he'd call again. Finally there was but one left at the Bar-- and the Preacher called to him by name and said Donegan, don't you want to go to Heave," Donegan replied "Ay, I do, but me thought you was getting up la load for tonight.I'm not quite ready yet."
I told Walter and he agreed I'm ready when HE is but not quite yet. Gotta few things yet I'd like to get done afore I leave." So every time Walter and I had a talk I'd always say to him before leaving "I'm ready when HE is, but not quite yet." Walter would smile and say I agree. And that's the way he lived his life to the last breath.".
Message from Mike & Cathy Stephens
July 15, 2017 1:54 PM
We offer our utmost condolences to the Sheppard family. We truly loved and admired Walter. He was one of the last of the true pioneers of our community. We will miss him. We send our prayers for your comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
Message from Shirley A. Spires
July 15, 2017 12:16 PM
Dear Walter was married to my husband's sister, Ruth. He was the most wonderful brother-in-law anyone could imagine ; funny, caring. and full of the most interesting stories and, so much fun to be around. His visits with us to Sky Valley were so memorable and all of my friends who met him, will always remember him and the fun times, playing cards, and celebrating his 90th birthday . His visits to us in Orlando were always great times to remember.. Everyone in my family is blessed to have had him a part of our lives. We will always remember you, Love, Shirley Spires
Message from Connie Smith
July 14, 2017 1:09 PM
My heart is breaking for the family and I feel as if I have lost a person I always called my 2nd Dad. Walter was so precious and I remember the last time I saw him in Highlands it was wonderful. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. I was blessed to have him in my life.
Message from Susan Clark
July 13, 2017 9:25 PM
My sincere condolences in the loss of your father. He was such a sweet and kind man, I am sure he is rejoicing in heaven. My prayers for peace and strength for the family in this difficult time
Message from The Vetter Family
July 13, 2017 8:51 PM
A great man to his God, his Country, his family, and his friends. May you Rest In Peace Sir. Godspeed.
Say hello to Dad. Go Gators!
J. A."Tony " Vetter and family.
Say hello to Dad. Go Gators!
J. A."Tony " Vetter and family.
Message from Ellen Dalzell
July 13, 2017 3:57 PM
Though I never had the honor of meeting Walter Sheppard, I do consider two of his daughters good friends...Carroll Sheppard Duncan and Barbara Sheppard Andrews. It's said that "the apple does not fall far from the tree", and Carroll and Barbara are definitely "good apples". Good people beget good people!
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Sheppard family.
Since I am also a Floridian by birth and lover of the Gulf Coast, I will be making a contribution to the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center in Mr. Sheppard's memory.
Ellen R. Dalzell
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Sheppard family.
Since I am also a Floridian by birth and lover of the Gulf Coast, I will be making a contribution to the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center in Mr. Sheppard's memory.
Ellen R. Dalzell
Message from Martha Lee
July 13, 2017 11:22 AM
Walter was the most precious man, so intelligent, so compassionate, so perfect in many ways. My life was enriched by knowing him. He was the anchor of his big beautiful family. My heart is broken.....I know we all have to go sometime, but wished he could of stayed around for several more years. Wish I could of said good bye in person. What a delight he was to the hearts of many. The photos the family has put together are so spot on....so perfect.....absolutley a perfect reflection of a loving, couragous and giving man who loved his family and his country and showed it by ACTIONS and not words. I loved his last photo waving good bye. Good bye my friend, my Precious Walter a/k/a "blue eyes", a/k/a/ "Big Daddy". I'll never forget our last dance, never forget your laughter, and never forget your words of wisdom from your legal eagle mind when I needed it the most, I know you are in the arms of Jesus,,,,,,will miss you so much!
A candle was lit by Martha Lee from Ocean Isle Beach. Walter, a/k/a Big Daddy
on July 13, 2017 11:12 AM
A candle was lit by Keri R Martin..You will always be in my heart.
on July 13, 2017 10:27 AM
Message from Danny Kelly and Family, Kelly Brothers, Inc.
July 13, 2017 8:42 AM
Contributions to the Edison and Ford Estates and the Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center were made in remembrance of Walter.
May the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Cherish and forever hold in your heart the many joyful and loving memories. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
May the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Cherish and forever hold in your heart the many joyful and loving memories. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Message from Joanne Iwinski-Miller
July 12, 2017 8:45 PM
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the entire Sheppard Family. You are all in my thoughts at this time.
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