Capt. Wilbur French Shepherd, USN

Rocky Mount – Capt. Wilbur French Shepherd, USN (Dan to family and friends), age 76, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on January 2, 1948, he was predeceased by his sister, Jerri, and his parents, Col. Wilbur C. Shepherd, USA, and Patricia Stone Shepherd.

Though born in Virginia, Dan was a citizen of the world, courtesy of his father’s service in the United States Army.  He grew up in Heidelburg Germany, Rocquencourt, France, Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Bragg, NC and Arlington VA.  Throughout many moves during his 26-year career with the United States Navy he remained an ardent lover of his native Virginia, the “Mother of Presidents”.  He graduated W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, VA prior to attending the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, graduating in 1970 and later went on to earn degrees from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA and Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, but in his heart, he remained a steadfast Tarheel.  After retiring from the Navy, he went on to a successful second act in the private sector, retiring as Vice President of Delex Systems in Merrifield, VA.

In his spare time, Dan enjoyed working in his yard, learning on a vast and eclectic array of topics but especially the Civil War, as well as teaching and volunteering.  He was an active member of the church body, where he served as a deacon.  He volunteered to prepare taxes at no charge for the elderly and underprivileged in Rocky Mount and Wilson, NC, for which he had to be certified by the IRS.  Prior to his retirement, he ministered to the homeless in Washington, DC.  As dog lover, he volunteered several hours a week for many years at the local animal rescue, Animal Crackers where he also served on the board of directors.

Despite his many impressive achievements and many more unsung ones, his greatest achievement was the standard he set for his family.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle to his immediate and extended family, and they will cherish memories of family activities, outings and gatherings with him.

Dan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynda of Rocky Mount, NC; his two sons, Phil of Arlington, VA and Stephen (Jennifer) of Haymarket, VA; his four grandchildren, William of Leesburg, VA, Daniella of Wylie, TX, Joshua of Haymarket, VA, and Matthew of Fayetteville NC; his two sisters, Karen Miller (Mark) of Charlotte, NC and Amy Hutcherson (Courtney) of Greeneville, TN; and his brother, David of Greenville, TN.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Dan’s life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Shenandoah Baptist Church, 3894 Shenandoah Ct, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, with Rev. Tim Parker and Rev. Glenn Hill officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service at Shenandoah Baptist Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.