Sheppard, Grant F. "Shep," 60, passed away on October 24, 2010. Shep was born and raised in the Brandon area and retired from GTE. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. He also served as a deacon at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brandon. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Sheppard and Myra Jane Bishop and his brother, Nelson Sheppard. Shep is survived by his loving family, wife of 37 years, Georgia; son, Michael (Christine) Sheppard; daughter, Heather (Scott) New; brother, Jon Mark (Ann) Sheppard; and grandchildren, Hunter, Tyler, Kayleigh and Austin. There will be a visitation on Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the Chapel. A funeral service for Shep will be held on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to ECHO in Brandon at www.echofl.org