Michael Wayne Sheppard

CMSgt. Michael Wayne Sheppard, USAF (Ret), 72, of Roanoke Rapids died November 11, 2020 at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville following a brief illness.

Born in Halifax County on April 15, 1948, he was a son of Earl and Onie Bell Hock Sheppard, both of whom preceded him in death.  He was also predeceased by his grandmother that raised him, Mammy Hock.

Mike was a Chief Master Sergeant in the US Air Force, retiring from Langley AFB following 28 ½ years of service to our country.  An honorable, kind man, he was a community servant during his retirement.  He served as a referee and coach at TJ Davis Rec Center.  Mike was a member of the AmVets; he also enjoyed fishing and playing pool.  He was a life long member of First Christian Church, and also attended Grace Baptist Church in Gaston.

Survivors include his wife, Beth Sheppard; sons, Alex Sheppard (Robin) of Roanoke Rapids, Kelly Sheppard (Michelle) of Gaston; daughter, Crystal Martin (David) of Gonzales, LA; step-daughter, Mickey Doane (Jonathan) of Prince Georges Co, VA; surrogate mother, Daisy Cullom; grandchildren, Michael, Lacey, Haley, Hunter, Denny, Jordan, Rhiannon, Austin, Madison, Julia and Makenna; a number of nieces and nephews; sister, Beverly Howell of Roanoke Rapids; uncle, Jack Hock (Joan) of Bracey, VA; brother-in-law Al Allen of Salt Lake City, UT; sister-in-law, Kathy DeBerry (Larry).

The family wishes to express thanks for special friends Jackie and Ruby Butler for their kindness and help that they have given to the family.

The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm Sunday at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, November 16, 2020 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Pastor Wesley Agee and Mr. Gilbert Portela presiding.  Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Guests are asked to observe social distancing and masking recommendations.

Live stream of the funeral service will be available by visiting https://www.facebook.com/carlislencompany/ .

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.