Charlie passed away on December 22, 2018 at the age of 93. He was born to Flora Mae Galford and Charles Harvey Shepherd in Walkersville, WV on November 30, 1925. Charlie was raised by his mother and step-father John Dempsey in Weston, WV.
How does one sum up a person who was a beacon of duty, honor, justice, respect and patriotism in a few short words? Charlie grew up in the Great Depression, where he established a strong work ethic and compassion for others. Charlie was part of the “Greatest Generation” who served in the U.S. Marines in the Pacific War and participated in the battles for Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima which tested his stamina, strength and fortitude to triumph.
Although he was badly wounded, he was one of only seven from his company who survived the battle of Iwo Jima. Charlie returned to the US and entered college in West Virginia where he graduated, after receiving honors as a two-time small college All-American in football. He did not rest on his achievements from college as he played football with the Pittsburg Steelers as a linebacker and halfback.
He broke his nose eight times one year because face masks were not invented until after the 1950s. After football he worked for the FBI, where he proudly served for twenty-seven years as a Special Agent and then as an Supervisory Special Agent. After retirement from the FBI he continues to serve the public as the Undersheriff of the Salt Lake Sheriff’s Office for twelve years under Sheriff Pete Hayward.
Retirement appeared to be in reach, but he decided to take up “Golf,” which offered more challenges. Charlie’s sense of humor opened people’s hearts and his compassion for mankind was unmatched. Charlie loved life, the outdoors and most of all his family where he brought generosity, loyalty, dignity and commitment to all he touched.
He lived life to fullest because as he said, “God put me on the earth for a reason. I had to live up to it”. Charlie married his high school sweetheart Marie Ellen Furr.
The two were married for 41 years before she succumbed to cancer in 1988. In 2003, Charlie married Agnes Naomi “Noni” Blundell who stood by his side until his passing. He is survived by his wife Noni; children John Lee Shepherd, Charles David Shepherd and Vickie Lynn Shepherd Daly; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father John Dempsey, wife Marie Ellen Furr Shepherd, half-sister Ruth Alice Galford and grandson Chad Richard Shepherd. The viewing and grave site ceremony will be held on January 3, 2019 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, Utah. The viewing is from 10-11am and Charlie will be laid to rest following the viewing.
Charlie will be missed, but never forgotten, as he brought a sense of security, comfort, compassion and realism to everyone he touched. He once said, “It is not how many people come to my funeral it is how many people I helped along the way”.
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