Mr. Wayne Sessions Sheppard, age 90, of Oconee passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, following an extended illness. A graveside funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, December 29 at 2:00 P.M. in the Zeta Cemetery of Tennille. Reverend Dennis Burgess will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday following the service in the cemetery.
Mr. Sheppard was a native and lifelong resident of Oconee, son of the late Emory Mozel Sheppard and the late Corrine Sessions Sheppard. He graduated from the Tennille High School and attended Georgia Military College to play football. Wayne halted his schooling to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Army in Guam after World War II. Following his military service, Mr. Sheppard resumed his education at the University of Georgia, graduating with a bachelor’s degree. He would return home to begin a lengthy career in the kaolin industry with Englehard Corporation, retiring as Director of Human Resources. Wayne was a long time and active member of the Antioch Christian Church, serving as Deacon, Elder, and Treasurer for many years. Mr. Sheppard was consistently active in his community, acting as Mayor of Oconee, Washington County Commissioner, and Chairman of the Washington County Board of Education. He enjoyed woodworking and refurbishing furniture. Wayne is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deryl Hodges Sheppard; and siblings, Videra Sheppard Frazier, Emory Aldine Sheppard, and Francis Earl Sheppard.
Survivors include his children, Carla Sheppard Hutchings and husband Chris of Sandersville, Marshall Wayne Sheppard and wife Vicki of Oconee, and Benjamin Thomas Sheppard and wife Starr of Buckhead; grandchildren, Andrew Christopher Hutchings and wife Sara, Stephen Gilmore Hutchings, Tyler Wayne Sheppard, and Anna Corrine Sheppard; and great-grandson, David Andrew Hutchings.
Donations may be made to the Zeta Cemetery Trust Fund, P.O. Box 1, Tennille, Georgia 31089 or to the Antioch Christian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 40, Oconee, Georgia 31067.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge these arrangements.