Benjamin William "Bill" Shepherd, Jr., 72 of Suffolk, VA went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 16, 2010. He was born on July 8, 1937, in Gibsonville, NC to the late B. W. Shepherd, Sr. and Christine Younger. His only sibling was the late Geraldine Stewart.

Bill was a loving husband for 32 years to Carol Rusnak Shepherd and a wonderful father to his stepchildren: Tricia Rusnak Daffron and husband, James F. Daffron, Jr. of Currituck, NC; Bryan Dennis Rusnak of Chesapeake, VA.; and Mark Anthony Rusnak and wife, Christine Reynolds Rusnak of Virginia Beach, VA; and his proud grandchildren are: Adam N. Daffron, Kelli F. Daffron, David B. Daffron, Christopher M. Rusnak and Natalie A. Rusnak. He also has a daughter, Hollie S. Allender married to Mark Allender of Gainesville, FL and a son, Mark Allen Shepherd of Norfolk, VA.

Bill retired as a 1st Sgt with the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of faithful service. For the last 20 years he ran Lakeside Custom Framing and Bill's Home Repair Service. Bill was a member of Wilroy Baptist Church and most recently attended Liberty Baptist where a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 1:30 p.m., led by Pastor David Blevins, followed by visitation at the church. Final interment will be conducted at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Heartland Hospice Services. Donations may be made to the following: Wilroy Baptist COC Building Fund; Liberty Baptist LOC; or the Foundation for His Ministry at P. O. Box 74000, San Clemente, CA 92673-0134, where Bill and Carol served as missionaries in Baja, Mexico. Condolences for family may be sent to www.parrfuneralhome.com