Earl R. Shepherd, 82, of Palatka, passed from this life on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Solaris Healthcare Palatka following an extended illness. He was a native of Plant City and had lived in Putnam County since the mid 1950’s. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corp. Earl worked for Georgia Pacific for 45 years as a rewind operator in tissue concerting before retiring in 2001. Earl was an active member of Peniel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and as an RA leader. In his leisure time, Earl enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family as well as his church family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Erma Lee Shepherd, and his siblings, Martha Long, Mildred Pleus, and Marvin, Herman and Edwin Shepherd.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Harriett Shepherd of Palatka, son, Bill Shepherd (Jamie), daughters, Felicia Ricks (Douglas), Lori Fowler (Billy), and Patti Day (Ricky) all of Palatka, 17 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Bro. Benny Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Peniel Cemetery in Palatka. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of services.
Flowers are gratefully accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Peniel Baptist Church Building Fund, 5227 Silver Lake Dr., Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Earl’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.