Charles Edward Sheppard

Mr. Charles Edward Sheppard, age 87, of Sandersville, died Thursday, August 27, 2009 at the Heritage Inn Nursing Home following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29th at 3:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Sandersville with burial in Brownwood Cemetery. Rev. Lee Lacey and Rev. Marlon Lastinger will officiate. Mr. Sheppard’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Irwin Evans Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.

Charles E. Sheppard was a native and life long resident of Washington County the son of the late Luther Sheppard and the late Rubye Chambers Sheppard. He was the retired owner of the Charles E. Sheppard and Son Land Reclamation Company. Mr. Sheppard was a pioneer in the field of land reclamation earning the distinguished Soil Conservationist of the Year Award presented by then Governor George Busbee in 1976. He grew up in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and later became an active member of the First Baptist Church of Sandersville where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Irwin Evans Sunday School Class. Mr. Sheppard was also a former worker for the Carpenters for Christ, a member of the Washington County Historical Society and a former Cub Scout leader. He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army in both France and Germany.

Survivors are his wife of 64 years, Jean Miller Sheppard, children, Charles David Sheppard (Mary Ann) of Cartersville, Edward Alan Sheppard (Mary Jo), Jessica S. Heldreth (Charles), and Leona S. Rogers (Rhonnie) all of Sandersville, grandchildren, Niki S. Murray (Matt), Melissa S. Abernathy (Allen), John David Sheppard, Edward Alan Sheppard (Elizabeth), Rebecca S. Chapman (Gregory), Charles Henry Heldreth III (Jennifer), Daniel Miller Heldreth (Heather), Matthew Neil Heldreth, Samuel Luther Rogers, and Amy Jessica Rogers, six great grandchildren and his brother Howard C. Sheppard Sr. (Barbara) of Sandersville.

The family will be at the Sheppard residence 107 Wedgewood Drive in Sandersville and will receive friends Friday from 5 to 7pm at the May and Smith Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 1899 Central Avenue, Augusta, GA. 30904 or to Brentwood School P.O. Box 955 Sandersville, GA. 31082 or to the donor’s favorite charity.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.