Robert Melvin Shepherd

Posted on July 19, 2023

Robert Melvin Shepherd, 83, passed away on July 14, 2023, in Madison. He was born Jan. 31, 1940, in Brooksville to Marvin Lamar Shepherd and Mittie Lois Cain Shepherd. Shep was of the Primitive Baptist faith and a member of Shady Grove Primitive Baptist Church. He worked for Florida Power Corp. for many years as a master mechanic with SMC. He was also a member of the iron workers IBEW union Local #397. Shep loved the outdoors – hunting, fishing and farming were some of his many passions. He was a member of the NRA. He graduated from Plant City High School, where everyone knew him as “Jam Up.” Shep was preceded in death by: his parents, Marvin Lamar Shepherd and Mittie Lois Cain Shepherd; his two sisters, Violet Crews and Linda Bennett; and his brother, Roy Shepherd. He is survived by: his loving wife of 28 years, Debbie Shepherd; three daughters, Mary Kay and her husband, Frank Herbert, Diana June Howell and Robin Claxton; his sister, C. Faye Schneider; his brother, Olin Shepherd; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family; along with many friends and acquaintances. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 1 p.m. at Fellowship Church Cemetery with Elder Gary Blanton officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 22, at Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www. joepburnsfuneralhomes. com.