William Leslie Sheppard's Obituary
William Leslie “Bill” Sheppard, 84, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away November 20, 2023, at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital.
Bill was born in Pontiac, Illinois, on August 2, 1939, the son of William P. and Anne (Kindred) Sheppard. He married Nancy Emerick from Brimfield, Illinois, on August 13, 1960, in Pontiac, Illinois. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and became a teacher at Roosevelt Junior High in Decatur, Illinois. After several years, he began a 34-year career as an industrial engineer at Firestone in Decatur. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Civil War Roundtable, and a faithful member of Holy Family Parish in Decatur. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, fishing, traveling, and playing bridge. He was a passionate Sudoku puzzler. He loved spending time with his family.
Bill is survived by his wife Nancy; children Leslie Sheppard of Decatur, William J. (Trish) Sheppard of Emmitsburg, Maryland, Robert (Amy) Sheppard of Downers Grove, Illinois, and Brian (Jeff) Sheppard of Decatur; siblings Patricia Bromley and David (Melissa) Sheppard; grandchildren Matthew Sheppard, Ryan Sheppard, and Chloe Sheppard; several nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Daniel Sheppard, sister-in-law Patricia Sheppard, brother-in-law Bill Bromley, stepmother Alice (Brave) Roloff, and stepsisters Judy (and husband Donald) Schultheis and Susan (and husband Mike) Dunne.
Funeral Mass for Bill will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, December 16, at Holy Family Parish in Decatur. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Mass. Burial in Macon County Memorial Park will follow the Mass.
Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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