Thomas Shepherd

Thomas A. Shepherd, 78, passed away December 23, 2014 at his home. Born June 16, 1936 in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of Clyde Herd Shepherd and Lorine Love Shepherd and the husband of Barbara Sloan Shepherd for 56 years. Mr. Shepherd finished West End High School in Birmingham in 1953 and served in the United States Marine Corp for two years at the end of the Korean War. He attended Rollins College and the University of Florida, majoring in Art and Architecture. While living in Orlando, Florida he was with Martin Marietta Company's Art Department. After moving to Spartanburg he became Cryovac's Senior Creative Designer. He created designs for food products packed in plastic film, including the design for bags containing turkeys that were presented at Thanksgiving to each Governor and the President of the United States. He retired from Cryovac after 31 years. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Greg (Terry Kaye) Shepherd, a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Shepherd (Brian) Smith. He was predeceased by two sisters, Renie Shepherd Sessoms and Betty Shepherd Beckham. After retiring, Tom was able to pursue his passion for art even further. He painted portraits, landscapes, created relief carvings of Santa's on old drawing boards, as well as pencil drawings of adults, children, and pets. He won many awards for his paintings and relief carvings. Mr. Shepherd loved his church and was active in many ways by helping as a greeter at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, as a member of the baptismal team and also Young at Heart. He was also a member of the Al Martin, Melvin Parker, and Al Clark classes. Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 PM Saturday, December 27, 2014, in the Parlor at First Baptist Church. The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 PM in the Davis Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg. Reverend Bob Morgan, Reverend Bill Adams, and Reverend Sal Barone will officiate. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Young at Heart at the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, Hospice Care of South Carolina, 408 N. Duncan Bypass, Union, SC 29379 or the Alzheimer's Association, 901 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 or online at www.alz.org. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas A. Shepherd please visit our Sympathy Store.