Gary Shepherd

Gary “Sparky” Shepherd, 66 of Sandyville passed away September 1, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Huntington, following a short illness. He was born September 9, 1950 at Parkersburg, a son of the late Robert and Glennis Gandee Sheherd. He attended Ripley High School, graduated from welding school in Nashville Tennessee. He was employed as a welder for Princess Susan Coal and Cyprus Minerals. Gary enjoyed farming and being home with family, hunting, riding his 4 wheeler, visiting his camp in Elkins and traveling to Florida in the winter months. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and his dog Suzy. He was a member of the Ripley Masonic Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Montgomery. Gary was also a member of the United Mine Workers, International Union of Operating Engineers and the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his son, Jason (Stephanie) Shepherd of Morgantown; his daughter Jennifer (Stephen) Gannon of Middletown, MD; grandchildren Ann Marie Gannon, Caroline Gannon, Thomas Gannon and Whitley Shepherd; sister-in-law Sandy Shepherd and nieces and nephews Danielle (Cody) Rhodes and their children Carter and Wesley and Tonya (Scott) Jones and their children Madison and Isaiah. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother and best friend Phillip Shepherd and granddaughter Kaylin Shepherd. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley. A time of visitation with the family will be from 2:00 pm until the time of the service on September 16, 2017 at the funeral home. Inurnment with Masonic Rites by the Ripley Masonic Lodge A.F and A.M. will be in the Independence Cemetery, Sandyville following the service. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com It is fraternal order of eagles in Montgomery not the elks club