Wayne Sessions Sheppard

Mr. Wayne Sessions Sheppard, age 90, of Oconee, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, following an extended illness.  A graveside funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, 2:00 p.m. in Zeta Cemetery, Tennille.  Reverend Dennis Burgess will officiate.  Mr. Sheppard's family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

Mr. Sheppard was a native and lifelong resident of Oconee, son of the late Emory Mozel Sheppard and the late Corrine Sessions Sheppard.  He attended school in Oconee and graduated from Tennille High School.  Wayne attended Georgia Military College to play football.  He proudly served his country in the US Army, in Guam following WWII.  Following his military service, Wayne resumed his education at the University of Georgia, graduating with a bachelor’s degree.  He returned home and began a long career in the kaolin industry working for Englehard Corporation, retiring as director of human resources.  He was a long time and active member of the Antioch Christian Church, where he was a former deacon and elder and served as church treasurer for many years.  Wayne was always active in his community.  He served as Mayor of Oconee, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Education and also as a County Commissioner.  He loved woodworking and refurbishing old furniture.  In addition to his parents, Wayne is predeceased by his beloved wife, Deryl Hodges Sheppard and siblings, Videra Sheppard Frazier, Emory Aldine Sheppard and Francis Earl Sheppard.

Survivors include his three children, Carla S. Hutchings and her husband Chris of Sandersville, Marshall Wayne Sheppard and his wife Vicki of Oconee and Benjamin Thomas Sheppard and his wife Starr of Buckhead; grandchildren, Andrew Christopher Hutchings and his wife Sara, Stephen Gilmore Hutchings, Tyler Wayne Sheppard and Anna Corrine Sheppard; and one great grandson, David Andrew Hutchings.

Donations may be made to the Zeta Cemetery Trust Fund, P.O. Box 1, Tennille, GA 31089 or to the Antioch Christian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 40, Oconee, GA  31067.

Leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge these arrangements.