James David Shepard, Sr.

James David Shepard, age 90, of Holly Ridge, North Carolina left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from Onslow Memorial Hospital.

He was born on May 18, 1936, in Edgecombe County; the son of the late Ebony and Mary Caroline Shepard. He was also preceded by his siblings Baby Brown, Thelma Swinson, Durwood Brown, Herman Brown, Judy Jinks and John Shepard.

He proudly served his country National Guard for many years.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 64 years Hattie Ebey Shepard; his children Sandra Kay Byrd and husband Ron of Holly Ridge, James David Shepard, Jr. and wife Angie of Hampstead, Juanita Shepard and husband Andy of Hampstead and Sharon Ann Rackley and husband Thomas of Holly Ridge; grandchildren Amanda Marks and husband Jason, Michael Byrd, Priscilla Renee Shepard and husband Robert, Tristen Cook and wife Cheyenne, Justin Clay, Christopher Rackley and wife Misty and Jason Leedy and wife Whitni; great grandchildren Austin Marks, Logan Marks, Daisy Rae Byrd, Nathaniel Shepard, Aaliyah Roberson, Kyron Roberson, Kameron Roberson, Bentley Cook, Oakleigh Cook, Easton Cook Coleson, Wyatt Clay, Levi Clay, Brielle Rackley, Harbor Rackley, Coleson Leedy, Bryson Leedy and Chase Ray; siblings Peggy Smith of Rocky Point and Clyde Thurman Brown of Leesburg, Florida; step children Cora Belle Necaise of Holly Ridge and Troy Smith and wife Brenda of Jackson, Louisianna; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved James dearly.

James was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was an humble man who enjoyed the simplest things in life, but his greatest joy was family. He was a hard worker and great provider for his family. He was an autoclave operator at General Electric Corp in the nuclear department for 25 years. James enjoyed painting cars and trucks. He taught his children how to sand cars, wash them and prep them for painting. He was an avid ‘pool shark’ who loved to play pool and was very good at it. Along with playing pool and painting cards, James enjoyed NASCAR and bluegrass music. With a witty personality and being a great prankster, James was a lot of fun and always had something going on. Most of all, James loved the Lord and set a great example to his children and grandchildren. He will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha, NC.

Following the service on Monday, the family will be gathering at James’s home in Holly Ridge.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, North Carolina.