Earl Shepherd

SGM Earl F. Shepherd USA (ret.), 84, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at his residence. Born in Poca, West Virginia, he was the son of the late John A. and Beulah Hedrick Shepherd, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Herta Paula Shepherd. He retired after 15 years of civil service US Army Finance at Fort Lee. While serving 30 years with the US Army SGM Shepherd received numerous medals and ribbons to include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, Army Occupation (Germany), National Defense Service, Vietnam Campaign, and Vietnam Service. He was a member of the National Association of Military Retirees and the American Legion Post 284. He is survived by his wife, Gabrielle Donovan-Shepherd; children, Karen L. Efird and husband, Fred, Debi K. Shepherd, Shirley A. Jorge and husband, Freddie, and Steve M. Shepherd and wife Tami; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren brother James Shepherd and wife Margie three step-children, cousin Charles Hedrick and wife Mavis, a nephew Peter Worner, and wife Birgit, and numerous cousins A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2013 in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia, Virginia 23002 with the Reverend Alonzo Seward officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Flowers are welcomed or contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 1120 G Street NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005 Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.