Norman Eugene Shepard, age 74, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019 at the Tut Fann Veteran's home in Huntsville, AL., after an eleven- year battle with Parkinson's with Lewy Body Dementia.

Gene was born on February 26, 1944 in the Bridges community outside of Charleston, MO., to the late Willie Norman Shepard and Veatrice Pauline Taylor Shepard. Gene attended Bement Elementary School and was a graduate of Sikeston High School. He grew-up attending Bement Bapist Church where his father preached for many years. He went on to college at Union University, where he graduated with degrees in psychology and religion. In 1970 Gene enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After completing Officers Training Corps, he was stationed in Panama City, FL and Alaska where he served in Tactical Air Control, overseeing air strikes during the Vietnam War.

Gene began his professional career at First Tennessee Bank in Memphis, TN, but found his true calling when relocated to Houston, TX to accept a job at Browning Ferris Industries(BFI) in 1977, where he and his wife, Johnnie, raised their only child, Sara. Gene spent the next 30 years as a successful executive at Browning Ferris Industries, Waste Management, and USA Waste. He was very well known and respected in the waste management industry.

Gene was loved and respected by all those who knew him. His incredible intellect and sense of humor touched everyone. His smile lit up the room, especially when he began to tell a joke though he rarely made it to the punch line. Gene had a way of making all feel welcome and appreciated. He loved golf, good food, friends and family. Gene will forever be loved and missed.

Gene is survived by his wife of 53 years, Johnnie Kathryn Tribble Shepard; only child and daughter, Sara Rene' Shepard Latham; grandsons, Nicholas Swayne, Andrew Shepard, and Christopher Steele Latham; brother, James Earl Shepard; sister, Norma Sharon Shepard Coppock; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Terry Bruce Shepard; and three sisters, Barbara Ann Shepard, Arliss Sue Shepard and one unnamed.

Gene's Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at 4:00 p.m.,at Bement Baptist Family Life Center. All family and friends are invited to come celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Norman Eugene Shepard to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com