Steven Ray Shepard

Mr. Steven Ray Shepard, 78, of Mount Airy, passed away Thursday night, April 20, 2023, at Northern Regional Hospital.  Steve was born April 2, 1945, in Surry County, the older of two children born to the late Hubert Ray and Georgia Vestal Shepard.  He served our country in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Saint Paul, during the Vietnam War.  Steve proudly taught machine technology at Surry Community College, retiring in 2005 after 34 years of service.  In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, biking, and boating with his longtime friend, Bobby Lovill.  He was also an avid reader.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jill Johnson Shepard; a daughter and son-in-law, Paige and Shawn Hankinson; a grandson, Jaxon Ray Hankinson; and a sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Jackie Lewis.  A service of worship and celebration of Steven’s life will be held Monday, April 24, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Oakdale Cemetery, with the Rev. Rosa Erickson officiating.  Military honors will be conducted at the conclusion of the service by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard.  No formal visitation will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 651 South South Street, Mount Airy, NC  27030.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.