1923
Edgar
2019
Edgar Shepard
September 7, 1923 — June 3, 2019
Abingdon, Va.
Edgar Shepard, 95, formerly of Welch, W. Va., passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019. Edgar was a World War II veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was a hand-selected member of one of the most feared fighting forces in American history – Edson’s Raiders. During his time as a Raider, Edgar served as a sniper and fought in six Pacific battles including the first major battle of the Pacific, Guadalcanal, and the last battle of the Pacific, Okinawa. He received two Purple Hearts, one for having received six gunshot wounds from a Japanese machine gun burst during the battle for Guadalcanal.
Upon his return to Welch after victory in the Pacific, Edgar purchased a Pure Oil Service Station, which he later converted to a 76 Station. It was here that Edgar worked six days a week for 65 years until his unofficial retirement at age 93.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lillian Smith Shepard. Edgar is survived by two daughters, Susan Gawryla of Abingdon, and Shelia Boardman of Florida; one granddaughter, Mary Lizabeth Niece; two great-grandchildren, Adrianna Rose Niece and Barrett Landon Niece; and one step-daughter, Debbie Gail Williams.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Welch, W. Va.
Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Shepard and his family are in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700)
Edgar Shepard, 95, formerly of Welch, W. Va., passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019. Edgar was a World War II veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was a hand-selected member of one of the most feared fighting forces in American history – Edson’s Raiders. During his time as a Raider, Edgar served as a sniper and fought in six Pacific battles including the first major battle of the Pacific, Guadalcanal, and the last battle of the Pacific, Okinawa. He received two Purple Hearts, one for having received six gunshot wounds from a Japanese machine gun burst during the battle for Guadalcanal.
Upon his return to Welch after victory in the Pacific, Edgar purchased a Pure Oil Service Station, which he later converted to a 76 Station. It was here that Edgar worked six days a week for 65 years until his unofficial retirement at age 93.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lillian Smith Shepard. Edgar is survived by two daughters, Susan Gawryla of Abingdon, and Shelia Boardman of Florida; one granddaughter, Mary Lizabeth Niece; two great-grandchildren, Adrianna Rose Niece and Barrett Landon Niece; and one step-daughter, Debbie Gail Williams.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Welch, W. Va.
Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Shepard and his family are in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edgar Shepard, please visit our flower store.
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