Dr. Nathaniel Sheppard

Obituary For Dr. Nathaniel Sheppard

The Life & Legacy of

Dr. Nathaniel Alan Sheppard

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Dr. Nathaniel Alan Sheppard was born November 17, 1943 in Quitman, Georgia to the late Fred Sheppard and the late Ora D.Benton. Dr. Sheppard graduated from Washington Street High School in Quitman, Georgia. He furthered his education by completing his undergraduate studies at The Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, was awarded a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, and earned a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Sheppard was known for his high intellect and devotion to higher education, particularly amongst underrepresented groups, which led him to begin his career as an Instructor at Tuskegee University. He would continue his illustrious career with other positions such as Director of Graduate Studies, College of Education at Virginia Tech; Dean of Education and Urban Studies at Morgan State University; Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fort Valley State University; and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Roxbury Community College. He also served in the Administration of two former U.S. Presidents, President Jimmy Carter’s Administration as Special Assistant to the White House Counselor on Aging and Staff Director, Federal Council on Aging; and President Bill Clinton’s Administration as Special Advisor on Strategic Planning for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Executive Development Training Specialist for Federal Executives at the Federal Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Dr. Sheppard was a very proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He also loved sports, particularly football and basketball. He would often spend time playing basketball or watching his favorite players, such as Julius Erving or Michael Jordan on television. He also served as the voice (including radio) of a number of sport venues and/or programs at the university/college level. Dr. Sheppard has been honored and cited for many special recognitions during the course of his illustrious career.

In 2019, he semi-retired in Warner Robins, Georgia, were he attended Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the Leadership of Pastor David A. Clarke Sr. In 2022, his health began to decline, causing him to move in 2024 to Jacksonville, Florida to be among family.

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Dr. Nathaniel Alan Sheppard was called home to take his rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sheppard and Ora D. Benton; six brothers, James C., Larry A., Freddie J., Bobby J., Thomas J. Sheppard and Randolph Benton.

He leaves to cherish his life and memories, his son, Gregory Alan Sheppard (Jennifer); eight brothers, KC Sheppard (Bonnie) of Rex, GA; Leroy Sheppard of Atlanta, GA; Alfred Benton (Ana) Grayson, GA; Johnny Larry (Juanita) of Kinston, NC; Freddie Larry (Sarah) of Boston, GA; John Sheppard of Thomasville, GA; Robert Holloway (Marie) of Columbus, GA; Reginald Benton of Lawrenceville, GA; three sisters; Elizabeth Lacey of Valdosta, GA; Cora Thomas (Mitchell); Ora Rhodes of Jacksonville, FL and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and special friends. He was loved by all that knew him.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11AM at Mt. Moriah The Word Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to pray along with the family during this time.