William Henry “Billy” Shepard, Ii

William Henry Shepard II (Billy) left this world unexpectedly at the age of 59 on June 7th, 2025. He was a proud veteran, a devoted family man, and a free spirit whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Billy was born on November 18th, 1965 in Jacksonville, North Carolina at Camp Lejune  to the parents of Clyde and Olga Shepard.

He proudly served in the military, where he developed a strong sense of loyalty, discipline, and camaraderie that stayed with him throughout his life. After his service, he found joy in the simple things—riding his Harley Davidson with the wind in his face, sharing laughs and stories with his beloved girlfriend Lisa and friends, and spending time with his family, who meant the world to him.

Billy was a serious man but had a light and charming side to him as well. Whether he was shaking a leg and cracking a joke over a cold drink or revving up his bike for a ride, he brought an energy that people were drawn to. His love for life, his country, and his people made him unforgettable.

He has joined his father, mother and nephew in Heaven but leaves behind a family who adored him. He is survived by his sisters, Alice “Joanne” Brachel and Patty Mailly Bridges (Chris), girlfriend Lisa Gainey, nieces Jennifer Sewell (Zach), Caroline Brachel (Ronnie), Kierstin Irick (Sean), nephew Cody Mailly and many other family members as well as lifelong friends. His memory will forever ride on in the hearts of those who loved him, his spirit as bold as the roar of his Harley.

Rest easy, Billy. You lived your life full throttle, and now you ride free. Thank you for your love, your service, and the joy you gave us all.