John Reese Sheppard, IV, of Charleston, SC passed away on 07/19/2021 after a courageous fight against leukemia which John was diagnosed with in November of 2019. John’s doctors said they had not seen such determination. John’s fight was motivated by his selfless desire to live longer and not allow his mother to lose her husband, John R. Sheppard, III and a son within a year.
John was born in Aiken, South Carolina, on 5/24/1963. He grew up in Williston, South Carolina, his beloved hometown. John had great passion for family, friends, and the outdoors. As a child, John practically lived outdoors - building forts in the woods, riding bikes, and tending to a garden. He later played the trombone in the Williston-Elko High School band and played guitar in a local rock band with his friends. John’s music talents earned him a scholarship at Baptist College in Charleston. He later graduated from the University of South Carolina.
John was a dedicated and dependable employee at the SCE & G Energy Information Center in the Citadel Mall of Charleston. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier delivering mail in beautiful areas of Charleston including his favorite stop - Magnolia Gardens.
John’s love of the outdoors was also reflected in his hobbies. He loved to walk endless miles, metal detecting for historical artifacts, hunting, and fishing. John's passion for history made him a bit of an expert of Charleston’s storied past.
John was sentimental and caring of others, especially family and friends. John often said he enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed walking around the wooded neighborhood of his childhood home in Williston, spending time at the pond, and looking over the field when doves were flying. John particularly loved the autumn season - a time when he would hunt, watch college football, and occasionally travel to the mountains of North Carolina.
John left a note in a drawer on his back porch: “Thank you so much God for allowing me to live in this beautiful house and yard so I can experience your artful works of nature and for my loving and supportive family during this episode! I have had a blessed life.”
John is survived by his mother Diane R. Sheppard of Williston, SC; his brother Robert J. Sheppard; sister-in-law Tammy W. Sheppard; nephew Turner R. Sheppard; niece Madeline N. Sheppard all of Aledo, TX and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins he loved so dearly.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at eleven-thirty a.m., Saturday, August 7, 2021 in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston, SC with Dr. Stephen Burnette officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Barnwell County Animal Shelter Foundation, P.O. Box 1009, Barnwell, SC 29812.
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