Obituary of Lee Roy Sheppard

Lee Roy Sheppard 

August 29, 1936 - March 30, 2024

After a brave battle with cancer, Lee went to be with Jesus for eternity. Born in Bath, North Carolina in 1936, he was the fourth child and the eldest son of Tilton and Julia Sheppard (nee Jefferson). He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard while in high school, and after graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served on active duty from May 1956 to May 1960. After completing boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, he continued his training there at machinist mate school. While in school at Great Lakes, he met the love of his life, his wife Barbara Rose (Hanni). They were married in 1957 in Zion, Illinois at Zion Bible Church after which he assigned to the USS Oak Hill LSD-7 in San Diego, California. Lee was a faithful husband for sixty-six years until his death.

After leaving the Navy, Lee went to barber school and became a barber and was well known for his skills in the Waukegan and surrounding communities. Lee's Barber Shop, located in Waukegan, was a favorite to local customers, which he operated for many years until the building was sold. He continued serving his customers at McCann's Barber Shop in Gurnee, until his retirement after forty-three years. Often men who had their hair cut as a child by Lee brought their children and grandchildren to him. Long after his retirement, he continued to offer his services to family and friends.

Lee is survived by his wife Barbara; two sons, Bradley Sheppard and Paul (Rosanne) Sheppard.  "Papa" was an adoring grandfather to Alison (Josh) Davidson, Amy Sheppard, Ashley (Kurt) Boehlein, Michael Sheppard, Luke Sheppard, and Rachel Sheppard. He had five great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Cash, Zana, and Juniper, and one great-great-granddaughter, Eleanor.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Tilton and Julia Sheppard, three sisters, and one granddaughter, Terra Sheppard.

Lee enjoyed family gatherings, especially for meals. He also loved working out in his yard, hoping neighbors would come and chat, and could often be seen riding the grandchildren on his John Deere lawnmower every summer. He loved the Lord, and it was his desire that everyone would know Jesus.

In honor of Lee's prior written request, no funeral services will be held, except a private, family-only memorial service that will be held at a later date to honor the beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was extra special to them. "Diamond Lee", as he was called, will be remembered for his warm conversations with friends and neighbors, generous heart, and dearly missed by all who knew him.

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