Robert J. Shepard Jr. was born in Wilmington, North Carolina.  As a result of a stroke he passed away at age 71 on May 6, 2023 in Newport News, Va.  Robert was born into a military family and spent most of his childhood in Europe.  He loved traveling through France and Germany. However, he spent his summers in Hampstead and Wilmington, North Carolina and Baltimore, Maryland which were his fondest childhood memories.

Robert graduated from Lawton High School in 1970.  After graduating, he attended South Western College.  Later he attended Oklahoma University, where he pledged into the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Robert met Connie in 1972 at Oklahoma University and two years later they married.  The family moved to Newport News, Virginia in 1978 where he joined his father, the late Robert J. Shepard Sr. in his janitorial business.  While working with Robert Sr. in his janitorial business where he became a certified expert in the care and restoration of flooring.  Robert lived with his family in York County, Virginia for 43 years. He enjoyed dancing, singing, travelling and most of all socializing with people.  His nickname was "Cowboy".  He loved talking and laughing with neighbors and relatives and kept in touch with most via telephone.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 46 years, Connie Shepard, two daughters and sons-in-law; Mercedes and James Coles III of Suffolk Virginia. Adrianne and Brandon Fischer of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two grandsons, Xavier and Maxwell Fischer. He is survived by his mother Bernice Shepard of Newport News, Virginia and his two sisters Shirley Loveless and Angela Smith of Newport News, Virginia. Also, Robert has a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends that will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00 am at Cooke Brothers Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 1601 27th Street Newport News, Virginia 23607.  There will also be a livestream via the Cooke brothers website at www.cookebros.com

This memorial service will be a remembrance of a charming and charismatic person.  He will be missed by his family and friends. There will be a private gathering for the family following the service.