Jewell Luther "Beau" Sheppard

Jewell Luther "Beau" Sheppard Jr., 75, of Rienzi, MS, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. He was born on June 3, 1941 to the late Jewell Sheppard Sr. and Julia Cordell Sheppard. Beau Sheppard began his life growing up in Sandersville, GA, helping his father on the family farm. Beau was active during his early school career playing football, playing in the band, being involved in FFA, and president of the student council during his formative years and being voted Best All-Around of his senior class. The years growing up in a small tight-knit community helped to shape the man he would become. Beau left Sandersville to attend Middle Georgia College where he met his future wife and life-long partner, Gayle Smith. They eventually married and moved to Atlanta where Beau finished school, graduating from Georgia State University while working nights for General Motors in Doraville. Beau and Gayle started their life together, had two boys and moved their family to Conyers, GA in 1972 where Beau took a job as General Manager for Technicarbon and eventually became the vice president. During his time in the Conyers, GA area, Beau was an active civic member and played a large role in community development. During his life he held many positions of leadership and support. He was Director of the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Industrial Development Committee, a Rotarian, served on the Rockdale County Board of Education as both Vice Chairman and Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Board Member for Boys and Girls Club of Conyers. He also began 7 small businesses in Conyers and built Ivy Place Shopping Center. He coached numerous youth sports teams and helped to mentor many young adults during his life. Upon leaving Conyers he started a company called Sun Ribbon in Holland, MO. While in Missouri he was on the City Council and was a member of the local civic club there. His entrepreneurial spirit was always seeking new ways to affect his community in a positive way. Beau was always there to help his family and friends in any way and his leadership and wisdom were valued by all who knew and loved him. He loved his family to the end and was supported in every way with his wife by his side. Beau will be missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and all of his family who have counted on his love and support throughout the years. A memorial service celebrating Beau's life will be held at a later date. Magnolia Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Those left to honor Beau's memory include his beloved wife of 53 years: Gayle Sheppard of Rienzi, MS; his sons: Robert Scott Sheppard and wife Mary of Moneta, VA and Todd Christian Sheppard and wife Rachel of Columbus, GA; his grandchildren: Alexandra Sheppard Lowe and husband Dion, Carson Sheppard, Sadie Sheppard, Max Sheppard and Lucy Sheppard; his great-grandchildren: Ian Lowe and Alaya Lowe; his brother: Clayton Sheppard of Sandersville, GA; his sisters: Ginny Sheppard Krueger of Atlanta, GA and Cecille Sheppard Brown of Sandersville, GA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House 5159 W. Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801. Online condolences may be expressed at magnoliafuneralhome.net.