Winston O. Shepard

Born at home on an orange grove in Alva FL 10/18/31, Winston Orville Shepard was the youngest of 9 children. He had to learn early the value of hard work and the ability to fend for himself. A carpenter’s son, he acquired the skills to build or repair almost anything.  His loving family was very close and his parents took him to church regularly.  In high school, he earned good grades and played basketball.  After graduation, he followed 3 older brothers into the army just as the Korean War began.  At basic training in Ft Rucker, AL he met and fell in love with Joy Charles, who was finishing secretarial school.  She says he was so handsome in his army uniform and so romantic, it was love at first sight and they became engaged. When one of his brothers was killed in Korea, the army decided to send Winston to post- WW2 Germany for the duration of the Korean War. He returned home safely, married Joy, and went to work as a seismographer for Humble Oil Company exploring oil fields all over the south and Gulf of Mexico. Moving frequently with wife and children became difficult so in 1961, they moved to West Palm Beach FL where they lived for the rest of his life.  He worked as manager for 7-Up Bottling Co, Deep Rock Water Co and finally Sewell Hardware where he retired at age 65. They were blessed to raise 2 daughters, Lisa and Donna, along with 2 sons, Larry and Wayne.  Winston coached Little League baseball, umpired baseball and was a referee for high school basketball and football. He loved many sports,  played golf and competed in bowling tournaments. Along the way, he became a Florida Gator fanatic and when they were not on TV, he watched the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins. He loved to do jigsaw puzzles, play dominoes and cards with friends and family.  He always played fairly by the rules and was a role model for honesty, integrity and kindness. He deeply loved and cared for his family helping with projects, attending sports and school events for 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren giving advice and teaching his skills. He was so smart, competitive, witty and could fix anything. His greatest achievement was maintaining a happy thriving 67 year marriage to the one love of his life, Joy! They were best friends and nearly inseparable. After suffering a massive stroke 6 years ago, he fought so hard to live a normal life at home but age and impairment caught up with him . Winston died peacefully in his sleep at home beside his wife on 2/26/20. He will be greatly missed and affectionately remembered - always and forever in our hearts!

Mr. Shepard will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 11, 2021 at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. Please assemble in Lane #1 by 8:45 AM if attending the services at the cemetery on Monday.