William Lockridge Shepheard, Jr., age 86, of Virginia Beach passed away 27 July 2024.

The son of William L. Shepheard, Sr. and Marie D. Tabit Shepheard, he was born and grew up in Norfolk, VA. He graduated from Granby High School in 1956 where he ran high hurdles for the track team. He attended Virginia Tech, lettered in track and field, and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration.

After graduation, he joined the family business, Air-A-Plane Corporation, which manufactured and sold ground support equipment to the aviation industry in 137 countries around the world. In retirement, he worked as a DX driver for Hall Automotive and Charles Barker Automotive.

He served the community and was an active member of Virginia Beach United Methodist Church. Known as a “Mister Fix-it”, he was motivated to help others and could repair anything! As President of the Virginia Beach Jaycees, he helped establish the East Coast Surfing Championships.

Bill enjoyed skiing, sailing, and working on his boat, “The Sails Dept.” He was a lifelong student of constitutional history and the Founding Fathers. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue R. Shepheard; his sons, William L. Shepheard III, his wife Andrea; David M. Shepheard, his wife Natalie; Stephen D. Shepheard, his wife Lisa; and grandchildren: Jennifer, Mark, Isabelle; Braeden; Jack, Cole, and Ben. He is also survived by his sister, Lynnette Regan, brother, Thomas Shepheard; and niece Elizabeth Weller, and nephews Jeffery, Justin, and Cooper.

He could often be seen cheering his children and grandchildren on, along the sidelines of soccer fields, basketball or volleyball courts; dance, theater, or concert events. He could be found helping design or construct school projects or treehouses. To him, it was important to know how to use the proper tool to fix each thing. He fixed, designed and repurposed so much stuff that the world is a better place because he lived. At least it works better! Above all, he had a head full of roadmaps to every possible destination.
He was a caring friend to all who knew him. If anyone asked him how he was, his answer was always, “I’m perfect” and now he is!

The celebration of life will be 1:00 PM Friday, August 16 at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church 212 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Virginia Beach United Methodist Church Foundation.