James Nelson Sheppard

James Nelson Sheppard, age 88, passed away at his home in Buffalo Junction, VA on September 25, 2017.He was raised in Caroline County, the son of the late William Nelson and Willie Talley Sheppard.He was predeceased by his two wives, Judy Sterne Sheppard and Louise Leddy Sheppard.He is survived by a daughter Kathy S. Martin (Bert) of Clover, VA, a son Robert M. Sheppard (Belinda) of Nelson, VA, a brother Billy Talley Sheppard of Northridge, CA, and a grand-daughter Emily A. Martin of Columbia, SC.He is also survived by a stepson Steve Reilly (Sal), stepdaughter Eileen R. Centuolo (Hank), a step-grandson Arett G. Barnard, two nieces, Mary Sheppard and Katherine Sheppard, and numerous other step-grandchildren. Mr. Sheppard was a graduate of Caroline High School in 1946 and Virginia Tech in 1950.He served two years as a Lieutenant in the US Army at Fort Bragg, NC, and later as a Captain in the reserves.He was the owner/operator of Little Buffalo Esso for 43 years.He was a 50-year member of the Clarksville Lions Club, and a member of the Jamieson Memorial UMC.In his retirement, Mr. Sheppard wrote a column called Land By The Rivers for local newspapers.He also served on the Board of the South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History where he was an active volunteer. Funeral services for Mr. James Sheppard will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Buffalo Baptist Church.Burial will follow in the church cemetery.The family will receive friends at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home Friday, September 29, 2017, from 7 to 8:30 pm and other times at his home. Those wishing to give memorials may consider Mecklenburg County Life Saving and Rescue Squad, 25 Burlington Drive, Clarksville, VA 23927 or the South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History, 1540 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592.