Jacksonville – Fred Shepard Jr. known to his family and friends as "JR" passed away at the age of 88 on Friday January 31, 2025, at the Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held on 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm immediately before the service at the funeral home. The burial will follow at the family cemetery at the intersection of Blue Creek and Foy Lockamy Road.

JR was born on April 17, 1936, to the late Fred Sr. and Lillie Pierce Shepard. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, James, Ennis, Daris, Edward, and Grady. One sister survives, Mary Ella Mynes.

JR worked with the NC Department of Transportation as an equipment operator and retired after 38 years of service. He was also a passionate farmer who enjoyed raising tobacco, pigs, and a garden to help feed his family and friends.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Lucille Brown Shepard; 3 children, David Shepard (Jennifer), Sarah Shepard Hart (Robert), and Jennifer Shepard Nason (Tommy); grandchildren Robert Lee Hart IV (Kristen). David Van Hart, Jena Moore (Codi), Jessie Roan (Kevin); 3 step grandchildren, Holly Williams, Stephanie Nason, and Thomas Nason; 2 great grandchildren, Zackary and Raylynn; and many nieces and nephews.

Electronic condolences may be left for the family at www.jonesfh.org